Joshua 5:9

And the LORD said unto Joshua, This day have I rolled away the reproach of Egypt from off you. Wherefore the name of the place is called Gilgal unto this day.

And the LORD {H3068} said {H559} unto Joshua {H3091}, This day {H3117} have I rolled away {H1556} the reproach {H2781} of Egypt {H4714} from off you. Wherefore the name {H8034} of the place {H4725} is called {H7121} Gilgal {H1537} unto this day {H3117}.

ADONAI said to Y'hoshua, "Today I have rolled off from you the stigma of Egypt." This is why the place has been called Gilgal [rolling] ever since.

Then the LORD said to Joshua, “Today I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you.” So that place has been called Gilgal to this day.

And Jehovah said unto Joshua, This day have I rolled away the reproach of Egypt from off you. Wherefore the name of that place was called Gilgal, unto this day.

Commentary

Joshua 5:9 marks a pivotal moment for the Israelites as they enter the Promised Land, signifying the removal of past burdens and the establishment of a new identity under God's covenant.

Historical and Cultural Context

This verse immediately follows the mass circumcision of the new generation of Israelite males born during the wilderness wanderings (Joshua 5:2-8). This act, performed at Gilgal, was a crucial renewal of the covenant God made with Abraham (Genesis 17:10-14) and a demonstration of their obedience before commencing the conquest of Canaan. The Israelites had just miraculously crossed the Jordan River on dry ground (Joshua 3:17), and this act of circumcision, which rendered them vulnerable, showed their faith in God's protection. Gilgal became their initial base camp in the land.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Removal of Reproach: The central theme is God's declaration, "This day have I rolled away the reproach of Egypt from off you." The "reproach of Egypt" likely refers to several things: the shame of their long slavery, the taunts from Egyptians regarding their God's inability to deliver them fully, or perhaps the disgrace of their uncircumcised state, which would have been a sign of their separation from God's covenant in Egyptian eyes. It also could refer to the wilderness generation's failure to trust God and enter the land, which led to their demise outside of Canaan.
  • Covenant Renewal and Identity: The circumcision at Gilgal, combined with this divine declaration, re-establishes Israel's identity as God's consecrated people, distinct from the nations around them. They are no longer mere escapees from slavery but a nation entering their inheritance, cleansed and consecrated.
  • God's Faithfulness: This verse underscores God's unwavering faithfulness to His promises, even after forty years of wilderness wandering. He fulfills His word to bring them into the land and remove all past shame associated with their journey.
  • New Beginnings: Gilgal marks a fresh start, a symbolic cleansing before they begin the conquest of the Promised Land. It signifies leaving the past behind and embracing the future God has for them.

Linguistic Insights

The name Gilgal (Hebrew: גִּלְגָּל, Gilgal) is directly linked to the act described in the verse. It is derived from the Hebrew root galal (גָּלַל), meaning "to roll." Thus, the name "Gilgal" literally means "rolling" or "circle," serving as a permanent memorial to the day the LORD "rolled away" the reproach.

The word for "reproach" is cherpah (חֶרְפָּה), which signifies disgrace, scorn, shame, or humiliation. It implies a public or perceived blemish on one's character or standing.

Practical Application

Joshua 5:9 offers profound lessons for believers today:

  • God's Cleansing Power: Just as God rolled away the reproach of Egypt from Israel, He has the power to roll away our spiritual reproach—the shame of sin, past failures, and condemnation. Through faith in Christ, we receive no condemnation and a new identity (2 Corinthians 5:17).
  • New Beginnings: Regardless of our past, God offers new beginnings. Like Israel, we are called to leave behind the "Egypt" of our former ways and walk in the freedom and purpose God has for us.
  • Covenant Relationship: The passage reminds us of the importance of our covenant relationship with God. Our obedience and consecration allow God to work powerfully in our lives, removing obstacles and shame.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Genesis 34:14 (4 votes)

    And they said unto them, We cannot do this thing, to give our sister to one that is uncircumcised; for that [were] a reproach unto us:

  • 1 Samuel 17:26 (4 votes)

    And David spake to the men that stood by him, saying, What shall be done to the man that killeth this Philistine, and taketh away the reproach from Israel? for who [is] this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?

  • Joshua 4:19 (4 votes)

    And the people came up out of Jordan on the tenth [day] of the first month, and encamped in Gilgal, in the east border of Jericho.

  • Leviticus 24:14 (3 votes)

    Bring forth him that hath cursed without the camp; and let all that heard [him] lay their hands upon his head, and let all the congregation stone him.

  • Ezekiel 23:8 (2 votes)

    Neither left she her whoredoms [brought] from Egypt: for in her youth they lay with her, and they bruised the breasts of her virginity, and poured their whoredom upon her.

  • Psalms 119:39 (2 votes)

    ¶ Turn away my reproach which I fear: for thy judgments [are] good.

  • Ephesians 2:11 (2 votes)

    ¶ Wherefore remember, that ye [being] in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;