Joshua 5:10

ยถ And the children of Israel encamped in Gilgal, and kept the passover on the fourteenth day of the month at even in the plains of Jericho.

And the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} encamped {H2583} in Gilgal {H1537}, and kept {H6213} the passover {H6453} on the fourteenth {H702}{H6240} day {H3117} of the month {H2320} at even {H6153} in the plains {H6160} of Jericho {H3405}.

The people of Isra'el camped at Gilgal, and they observed Pesach on the fourteenth day of the month, there on the plains of Yericho.

On the evening of the fourteenth day of the month, while the Israelites were camped at Gilgal on the plains of Jericho, they kept the Passover.

And the children of Israel encamped in Gilgal; and they kept the passover on the fourteenth day of the month at even in the plains of Jericho.

Commentary

Joshua 5:10 records a pivotal moment in Israel's history as they enter the Promised Land, marking a significant transition from wilderness wandering to settled life in Canaan. The verse states: "And the children of Israel encamped in Gilgal, and kept the passover on the fourteenth day of the month at even in the plains of Jericho."

Context

This verse immediately follows the miraculous crossing of the Jordan River, where God parted the waters for the Israelites, just as He had done at the Red Sea. They had now firmly established their presence in the land of Canaan. The encampment at Gilgal served as their primary base of operations for the initial campaigns to conquer the land, particularly the strategic city of Jericho, which lay nearby in the plains. Prior to observing the Passover, the new generation of Israelite males, born in the wilderness, underwent mass circumcision at Gilgal, an act of covenant renewal and purification before God.

Key Themes

  • Obedience and Covenant Renewal: The observance of Passover was a direct command from God, first given in Egypt. Keeping it in the Promised Land, after the circumcision, signified Israel's renewed commitment to God's covenant and their identity as His chosen people, ready to inherit the land He promised.
  • Remembrance of Deliverance: Passover was a powerful annual reminder of God's mighty act of delivering them from bondage in Egypt. Celebrating it in Canaan underscored God's faithfulness in bringing them to the land He swore to their forefathers, fulfilling His promises.
  • Transition and New Beginnings: This Passover marked a symbolic end to the wilderness generation's journey and the beginning of a new era for the next generation in the Promised Land. It was a foundational moment, preparing them spiritually and physically for the challenges and blessings ahead. Significantly, the very next day after this Passover, the manna, which had sustained them for forty years, ceased to fall, and they began to eat the produce of the land.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "kept the passover" (Hebrew: ื•ึทื™ึทึผืขึฒืฉื‚ื•ึผ ืึถืชึพื”ึทืคึถึผืกึทื—, vayya'asu et-happesach) literally means "and they made/performed the Passover." It emphasizes the active, ritualistic observance of the festival, highlighting not just a passive remembrance but a deliberate act of worship and obedience to God's instructions.

Practical Application

Joshua 5:10 offers profound lessons for believers today:

  • Remember God's Faithfulness: Just as Israel looked back at the Passover, we are called to remember God's past deliverances and provisions in our lives. Gratitude for His faithfulness strengthens our trust for future challenges.
  • Embrace New Beginnings with God: Every new season or challenge in our lives can be consecrated to God. Like Israel, we can approach new ventures with renewed commitment to Him, trusting that He will provide.
  • The Importance of Obedience: Israel's first act in the Promised Land was an act of obedience. Our spiritual growth and ability to "take possession" of God's promises often hinge on our willingness to obey His commands.
  • Corporate Worship and Identity: The Passover was a communal celebration. It reminds us of the importance of corporate worship and how shared faith experiences strengthen our identity as God's people.

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Cross-References

  • Exodus 12:6 (4 votes)

    And ye shall keep it up until the fourteenth day of the same month: and the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it in the evening.

  • Numbers 9:1 (3 votes)

    ยถ And the LORD spake unto Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, in the first month of the second year after they were come out of the land of Egypt, saying,

  • Numbers 9:5 (3 votes)

    And they kept the passover on the fourteenth day of the first month at even in the wilderness of Sinai: according to all that the LORD commanded Moses, so did the children of Israel.

  • Ezekiel 12:6 (2 votes)

    In their sight shalt thou bear [it] upon [thy] shoulders, [and] carry [it] forth in the twilight: thou shalt cover thy face, that thou see not the ground: for I have set thee [for] a sign unto the house of Israel.

  • Ezekiel 12:16 (2 votes)

    But I will leave a few men of them from the sword, from the famine, and from the pestilence; that they may declare all their abominations among the heathen whither they come; and they shall know that I [am] the LORD.

  • Ezekiel 12:3 (2 votes)

    Therefore, thou son of man, prepare thee stuff for removing, and remove by day in their sight; and thou shalt remove from thy place to another place in their sight: it may be they will consider, though they [be] a rebellious house.