Joshua 5:4

KJV

And this [is] the cause why Joshua did circumcise: All the people that came out of Egypt, [that were] males, [even] all the men of war, died in the wilderness by the way, after they came out of Egypt.

KJV (with Strong's)

And this is the cause {H1697} why Joshua {H3091} did circumcise {H4135}: All the people {H5971} that came out {H3318} of Egypt {H4714}, that were males {H2145}, even all the men {H582} of war {H4421}, died {H4191} in the wilderness {H4057} by the way {H1870}, after they came out {H3318} of Egypt {H4714}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The reason Y'hoshua circumcised was that all the people who had left Egypt who were males, all the fighting men, had died in the desert along the way after leaving Egypt.

Berean Standard Bible

Now this is why Joshua circumcised them: All those who came out of Egypt—all the men of war—had died on the journey in the wilderness after they had left Egypt.

American Standard Version

And this is the cause why Joshua did circumcise: all the people that came forth out of Egypt, that were males, even all the men of war, died in the wilderness by the way, after they came forth out of Egypt.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 5:4 provides the crucial rationale for the mass circumcision of the Israelite males at Gilgal, immediately after their miraculous crossing of the Jordan River into the Promised Land. It explicitly states that the entire generation of males, specifically those designated as "men of war," who had departed from Egypt, had perished in the wilderness. This meant that the generation poised to inherit Canaan had been born during the forty years of wandering and had not received the covenant sign of circumcision, making its re-establishment a foundational act of covenant renewal and spiritual preparation for the conquest.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a pivotal explanatory interjection within the narrative of Joshua 5. It directly follows God's command to Joshua to "circumcise again the children of Israel the second time" ([Joshua 5:2](/joshua/5-2 "Joshua 5:2 - Command for Circumcision")). The preceding verses describe the fear of the Canaanite kings upon hearing of the Jordan crossing ([Joshua 5:1](/joshua/5-1 "Joshua 5:1 - Canaanite Fear")), and the subsequent verses detail the actual circumcision ([Joshua 5:3](/joshua/5-3 "Joshua 5:3 - The Act of Circumcision")), the celebration of Passover ([Joshua 5:10](/joshua/5-10 "Joshua 5:10 - Passover Celebration")), and the cessation of manna ([Joshua 5:12](/joshua/5-12 "Joshua 5:12 - Manna Ceases")). Joshua 5:4 thus bridges the divine command with its historical necessity, highlighting the profound generational shift and the spiritual readiness required before the military campaigns of conquest could commence. It underscores that spiritual alignment with God's covenant precedes any successful endeavor in His name.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the forty-year wilderness wandering, a period of divine judgment and purification for the generation that rebelled against God at Kadesh-Barnea, refusing to enter the Promised Land due to unbelief ([Numbers 14:26-35](/numbers/14-26 "Numbers 14:26-35 - God's Judgment on the Rebellious Generation")). With the exceptions of Joshua and Caleb, all adult males from that generation perished, fulfilling God's decree. Circumcision was the indelible sign of the Abrahamic covenant ([Genesis 17:9-14](/genesis/17-9 "The Covenant of Circumcision")), marking Israel as God's chosen people. Its neglect during the wilderness period, possibly due to the nomadic lifestyle, the constant movement, the dangers of infection, or perhaps as a reflection of the people's spiritual state during judgment, meant that the new generation was uncircumcised. The mass circumcision at Gilgal, therefore, was not merely a ritual but a profound act of covenant recommitment, signifying Israel's renewed identity and obedience to God before they engaged in the holy war to claim their inheritance.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major themes within Joshua and the broader Pentateuch. It powerfully illustrates the **Consequences of Disobedience**, serving as a stark reminder of the severity of unbelief and rebellion against God, which led to the exclusion of an entire generation from the Promised Land ([Deuteronomy 2:14-16](/deuteronomy/2-14 "The End of the Old Generation")). It highlights a crucial **Generational Transition**, marking the passing of the Exodus generation and the rise of a new generation, born in the wilderness, prepared by God, and now poised to fulfill His promises. This transition is inextricably linked to **Covenant Renewal**, as the re-establishment of the sign of circumcision signifies Israel's recommitment to their covenant relationship with Yahweh, affirming their identity as His people before entering the land promised to Abraham ([Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1 "The Abrahamic Covenant")). Finally, it subtly underscores **Divine Faithfulness**, demonstrating that despite Israel's failures, God remains true to His covenant promises, raising up a new generation to accomplish His purposes.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Circumcise (Hebrew, _mūl_):** The verb "mul" literally means "to cut off" or "to circumcise." In this context, it refers to the ritual removal of the foreskin, which served as the physical, indelible sign of God's covenant with Abraham and his descendants ([Genesis 17:10](/genesis/17-10 "The Sign of the Covenant")). Its re-implementation at Gilgal signifies a profound act of covenant renewal, marking the new generation as truly belonging to God and prepared for the inheritance of the land.
* **Men of War (Hebrew, _’ish milḥāmāh_):** This specific phrase, "men of war" or "men of battle," is highly significant. It refers to the adult males capable of military service. The emphasis here is not merely on all males, but specifically on those who were expected to fight and conquer the land. Their death in the wilderness underscores that their failure was not one of physical weakness, but of spiritual unbelief and cowardice, particularly at Kadesh-Barnea, where they refused to trust God for victory against the Canaanites ([Numbers 13:26-33](/numbers/13-26 "The Spies' Report")). Their demise signifies that the conquest of Canaan would not be achieved by human military might, but by God's power through a generation that truly trusted Him.
* **Died (Hebrew, _mût_):** While a common verb for "to die," its usage here carries the weight of divine judgment. The repeated emphasis on "all" who died highlights the totality and finality of God's decree against the rebellious generation. It signifies the complete fulfillment of the consequence for their unbelief, clearing the way for a new, obedient generation to inherit the promises.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And this [is] the cause why Joshua did circumcise:"** This opening clause immediately establishes the purpose of the verse: to provide the divine and historical rationale for the command given in [Joshua 5:2](/joshua/5-2 "Joshua 5:2 - Command for Circumcision") and the subsequent action of circumcision described in [Joshua 5:3](/joshua/5-3 "The Act of Circumcision"). It signals to the reader that the following information is the crucial explanation for this significant event.
* **"All the people that came out of Egypt, [that were] males, [even] all the men of war, died in the wilderness by the way, after they came out of Egypt."** This is the explanatory core of the verse, detailing the specific circumstances that necessitated the mass circumcision.
* **"All the people that came out of Egypt, [that were] males":** This identifies the specific group: the entire adult male population of the Exodus generation. It excludes those who were minors at the time of the rebellion and, of course, Joshua and Caleb.
* **"[even] all the men of war":** This further specifies and emphasizes the nature of the condemned generation. These were the ones capable of fighting, the ones who should have led the charge into Canaan, but instead succumbed to fear and unbelief. Their death underscores the spiritual failure that precluded them from the land.
* **"died in the wilderness by the way, after they came out of Egypt":** This confirms the fulfillment of God's judgment. The "wilderness" is presented as the place of their demise, a testament to their wandering and the consequence of their rebellion. The phrase "by the way" emphasizes that their death occurred during the journey, preventing their entry into the Promised Land.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 5:4 primarily functions as a piece of **Exposition**, providing a clear and concise explanation for a preceding action. The author employs **Repetition** and **Emphasis** through the use of "all the people... all the men of war" to underscore the totality of the divine judgment and the complete generational shift. This creates a sense of finality and highlights the profound nature of the transition. There is also an implicit **Juxtaposition** between the rebellious, unfaithful generation that perished and the new, obedient generation that is now being prepared to inherit God's promises. The verse also serves as a powerful demonstration of the **Fulfillment of Prophecy** or divine judgment, confirming that God's word concerning the fate of the rebellious generation had come to pass precisely as declared.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 5:4 is a profound theological statement on God's holiness, justice, and unwavering faithfulness. It powerfully demonstrates that while God is merciful, He is also just, and sin, particularly unbelief and rebellion against His revealed will, carries severe consequences. The death of the Exodus generation in the wilderness serves as a stark object lesson for all future generations, including believers today, on the seriousness of failing to trust and obey God. Yet, even in judgment, God's faithfulness to His covenant promises shines through. He did not abandon His people but preserved a remnant and raised up a new generation, preparing them through this act of covenant renewal to receive the inheritance He had promised. This passage underscores that spiritual readiness and alignment with God's covenant are prerequisites for entering into and experiencing His blessings and purposes.

* [Numbers 14:29](/numbers/14-29 "The Judgment at Kadesh-Barnea")
* [Deuteronomy 2:14-16](/deuteronomy/2-14 "The End of the Old Generation")
* [Hebrews 3:17-19](/hebrews/3-17 "Unbelief and Rest")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 5:4 serves as a powerful reminder that spiritual readiness is paramount for fulfilling God's purposes. Just as the new generation of Israelites had to shed the consequences of their parents' disobedience and embrace the covenant anew through circumcision, believers today are called to a similar process of spiritual purification and renewed commitment. This means identifying and shedding any "wilderness mentalities"—patterns of unbelief, complaining, or disobedience—that may hinder our progress in God's will. We are called to embrace a "Promised Land mentality" characterized by faith, obedience, and wholehearted trust in God's promises. The act of circumcision at Gilgal, explained by this verse, underscores the necessity of aligning ourselves fully with God's covenant before embarking on His mission for our lives. It challenges us to consider what spiritual "foreskins"—anything that separates us from full devotion and obedience to God—we might need to "cut off" in our own lives or in the life of the church, ensuring we are truly prepared to walk in the fullness of His calling.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "wilderness mentalities" or past failures might be hindering my/our spiritual progress today?**
* **How does this passage challenge me/us to embrace a renewed commitment to God's covenant and purposes?**
* **In what areas of my life do I need to undergo a "circumcision of the heart" to be truly prepared for God's calling?**

### FAQ
**Why was circumcision neglected for 40 years in the wilderness?**

Answer: The biblical text does not explicitly state the reason for the forty-year suspension of circumcision. However, several theories are proposed by scholars. One common explanation suggests that the nomadic lifestyle in the wilderness made the ritual difficult and potentially dangerous, as the fresh wound would be susceptible to infection without stable conditions for healing. Another perspective views it as a deliberate suspension during a period of divine judgment and separation, where the people's general spiritual apathy and rebellion, culminating in their unbelief at Kadesh-Barnea ([Numbers 14:1-4](/numbers/14-1 "Israel's Rebellion at Kadesh-Barnea")), mirrored a broader disregard for the covenant sign. The command in [Joshua 5:2](/joshua/5-2 "Joshua 5:2 - Command for Circumcision") to circumcise "again" implies a restoration of a practice that had ceased, signifying a new beginning and a renewed covenant relationship as they entered the Promised Land.

**What is the significance of "men of war" dying in the wilderness?**

Answer: The specific mention of "men of war" dying in the wilderness is highly significant. It highlights that the generation condemned to perish was not merely the general populace, but specifically those who were physically able and designated to fight and conquer the land. Their failure was not one of physical inability, but of spiritual unbelief and cowardice, particularly when faced with the challenge of entering Canaan after the spies' report at Kadesh-Barnea ([Numbers 13:26-33](/numbers/13-26 "The Spies' Negative Report")). Their death underscored a crucial theological point: the conquest of Canaan would not be achieved by human strength or military might, but by God's power working through a generation that trusted Him. It served as a powerful lesson that obedience and faith, not just physical prowess, are essential for fulfilling God's purposes.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 5:4, with its emphasis on the death of the old generation and the covenant renewal for the new, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Testament. The physical death of the rebellious generation in the wilderness foreshadows the spiritual death to sin and the old self that occurs in Christ ([Romans 6:6](/romans/6-6 "Crucified with Christ")). Just as the physical circumcision marked Israel as God's people, the New Covenant brings about a "circumcision of the heart" ([Romans 2:29](/romans/2-29 "True Circumcision of the Heart"), [Colossians 2:11](/colossians/2-11 "Circumcision of Christ")), an inward transformation wrought by the Holy Spirit, where outward ritual is replaced by an inner reality of faith and new life in Christ. The new generation entering the physical Promised Land points to believers entering into the spiritual rest and inheritance found in Christ ([Hebrews 4:9](/hebrews/4-9 "The Sabbath Rest for God's People")). Jesus, the true Joshua (Yeshua, meaning "the Lord saves"), leads His people into the ultimate promised land—eternal life and communion with God—not through physical conquest, but through His spiritual victory over sin and death on the cross ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life"), [Ephesians 2:6](/ephesians/2-6 "Seated with Christ in Heavenly Realms")). The preparation at Gilgal for physical battle points to the spiritual armor and battle believers are called to in Christ against spiritual forces of evil ([Ephesians 6:10-18](/ephesians/6-10 "The Full Armor of God")). Ultimately, the old covenant generation's failure due to unbelief serves as a solemn warning for New Covenant believers not to fall short of God's promises through a similar lack of faith in Christ ([Hebrews 3:12-19](/hebrews/3-12 "Warning Against Unbelief")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Corinthians 10:5

But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness.

Deuteronomy 2:16

So it came to pass, when all the men of war were consumed and dead from among the people,

Numbers 26:64

But among these there was not a man of them whom Moses and Aaron the priest numbered, when they numbered the children of Israel in the wilderness of Sinai.

Numbers 26:65

For the LORD had said of them, They shall surely die in the wilderness. And there was not left a man of them, save Caleb the son of Jephunneh, and Joshua the son of Nun.

Deuteronomy 2:14

And the space in which we came from Kadeshbarnea, until we were come over the brook Zered, [was] thirty and eight years; until all the generation of the men of war were wasted out from among the host, as the LORD sware unto them.

Hebrews 3:17

But with whom was he grieved forty years? [was it] not with them that had sinned, whose carcases fell in the wilderness?

Hebrews 3:19

So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.