Joshua 5:9

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Joshua 5:9 marks a profound moment of divine declaration at Gilgal, where the LORD announces the definitive removal of the "reproach of Egypt" from the newly circumcised generation of Israelites. This pivotal statement signifies the culmination of their wilderness wandering, the cleansing of past shame associated with their slavery and unfaithfulness, and the establishment of their consecrated identity as God's covenant people, ready to inherit the Promised Land. The naming of Gilgal serves as a perpetual memorial to this act of divine deliverance and renewal.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the dramatic mass circumcision of all Israelite males born during the wilderness exodus ([Joshua 5:2-8](/joshua/5-2-8 "Joshua 5:2-8 - The Circumcision at Gilgal")). This act of covenant renewal was performed at Gilgal, their first encampment after miraculously crossing the Jordan River on dry ground (cf. [Joshua 3:17](/joshua/3-17 "Joshua 3:17 - The Jordan River Crossing")). The vulnerability incurred by this widespread circumcision, performed deep within enemy territory, underscores Israel's profound trust in God's protection and their commitment to His covenant before commencing the conquest of Canaan. Joshua 5:9 thus serves as God's divine affirmation and explanation for this significant ritual, marking a definitive break from their past and setting the stage for their future in the land.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The command for circumcision originated with Abraham as a sign of the covenant between God and his descendants ([Genesis 17:10-14](/genesis/17-10-14 "Genesis 17:10-14 - The Covenant of Circumcision")). However, during the forty years of wilderness wandering, this practice had largely ceased ([Joshua 5:5](/joshua/5-5 "Joshua 5:5 - The Uncircumcised Generation")). The mass circumcision at Gilgal therefore represented a crucial re-establishment of Israel's covenant identity, distinguishing them as God's holy people from the surrounding pagan nations. The "reproach of Egypt" (Hebrew: *cherpah*) likely encompasses several layers of shame: the humiliation of their long slavery under Pharaoh, the taunts from Egyptians and other nations regarding their God's perceived inability to fully deliver them or bring them into the land (cf. [Numbers 14:13-16](/numbers/14-13-16 "Numbers 14:13-16 - Moses' Intercession for Israel")), and potentially the disgrace of their uncircumcised state, which would have been seen as a sign of their separation from God's covenant. It also implicitly refers to the failure and demise of the wilderness generation who, due to unbelief, could not enter the land.
* **Key Themes:** Joshua 5:9 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Joshua and broader biblical narrative. The primary theme is the **removal of reproach**, signifying God's active intervention to cleanse His people from past shame and failure, granting them a fresh start. This act is intrinsically linked to **covenant renewal and identity**, as the circumcision and divine declaration solidify Israel's status as a consecrated nation, distinct and set apart for God's purposes. It highlights **God's unwavering faithfulness** to His promises, demonstrating that despite Israel's past disobedience and the forty-year delay, He ultimately fulfills His word to bring them into the land of promise ([Deuteronomy 1:8](/deuteronomy/1-8 "Deuteronomy 1:8 - The Promised Land")). Finally, the verse underscores the theme of **new beginnings**, marking a decisive transition from the wilderness generation's failures to a new era of obedience and conquest under God's guidance, with Gilgal serving as a symbolic point of cleansing and preparation for the challenges ahead in [the conquest of Canaan](/joshua/6 "Joshua 6 - The Fall of Jericho").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Gilgal (Hebrew, גִּלְגָּל, _Gilgâl'_):** This place name is directly derived from the Hebrew root *gâlal* (גָּלַל), meaning "to roll." The name "Gilgal" therefore literally means "rolling" or "circle," serving as a permanent, etymological memorial to the divine act of "rolling away" the reproach. It is not merely a geographical location but a profound theological marker, forever linking the place to God's act of deliverance and cleansing.
* **rolled away (Hebrew, גָּלָל, _gâlal'_):** This verb, used in the perfect tense, signifies a completed action with lasting effect. The LORD Himself is the active agent, emphasizing His sovereign power and initiative in removing the burden. The imagery is vivid: a heavy stone or burden being physically rolled off, implying a complete and irreversible removal of the weight of shame and disgrace that had previously clung to Israel.
* **reproach (Hebrew, חֶרְפָּה, _cherpâh'_):** This term carries significant weight, denoting disgrace, scorn, shame, or humiliation. It often implies a public or perceived blemish on one's character, standing, or reputation. In this context, it encompasses the collective shame of Israel's past—their slavery, their wandering, and their uncircumcised state—all of which could be seen as a blemish on their identity as God's chosen people. God's act decisively removes this public and internal burden, restoring their honor and standing.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the LORD said unto Joshua":** This opening phrase emphasizes the divine origin and authority of the declaration. It is not merely Joshua's observation or Israel's feeling, but a direct, authoritative pronouncement from God Himself, underscoring the theological significance and certainty of the event that follows. This divine speech validates the preceding act of circumcision and prepares Israel for their new identity.
* **"This day have I rolled away the reproach of Egypt from off you":** This is the core declaration. "This day" highlights the immediate, decisive, and present nature of God's action, marking a specific turning point in Israel's history. The emphatic "I" emphasizes God's sole agency in this act of deliverance and cleansing, demonstrating His faithfulness and power. The "reproach of Egypt" encapsulates the multifaceted shame associated with their past bondage and wilderness failures, which God definitively removes. This act marks a clean break, a spiritual and national liberation from the lingering effects of their former life.
* **"Wherefore the name of the place is called Gilgal unto this day":** This clause provides the etymological explanation for the name "Gilgal," linking it directly to the divine act of "rolling away." The phrase "unto this day" indicates that the name serves as a perpetual memorial, ensuring that future generations would remember God's mighty act of removing their shame and establishing their new identity in the land. It solidifies the historical and theological significance of the location as a perpetual reminder of God's redemptive work.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 5:9 effectively employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. There is a clear instance of **Etymological Play** or **Punning**, as the name of the place, **Gilgal** (גִּלְגָּל), is directly linked to the Hebrew verb **_galal_** (גָּלָל), meaning "to roll," which is used in the phrase "rolled away." This linguistic connection serves as a powerful mnemonic, embedding the theological meaning directly into the geographical name and ensuring the significance of the event is never forgotten. Furthermore, the verse is rich in **Symbolism**. Gilgal itself becomes a symbol of new beginnings, cleansing, and covenant renewal, marking the transition from wilderness wandering to promised land inheritance. "Egypt" symbolizes the past life of bondage, sin, and shame, from which God has definitively liberated His people. The act of "rolling away" is a symbolic representation of God's complete removal of this burden, akin to a heavy stone being removed. Finally, the verse is a **Divine Pronouncement**, delivered directly by the LORD to Joshua, which lends immense authority and finality to the declaration. This direct speech underscores God's active involvement in Israel's history and His sovereign power to transform their identity and destiny.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 5:9 is a powerful testament to God's character as a Redeemer who not only delivers His people from physical bondage but also cleanses them from the deep-seated shame and reproach of their past. It underscores the truth that God is faithful to His covenant promises, even when His people have been unfaithful. The removal of the "reproach of Egypt" signifies a profound act of grace, establishing Israel's identity not as former slaves or wilderness wanderers, but as a consecrated nation, set apart and empowered to inherit their divine destiny. This act of divine cleansing and identity formation foreshadows the ultimate work of Christ in removing the reproach of sin and granting true freedom.

* [Isaiah 25:8](/isaiah/25-8 "Isaiah 25:8 - God Swallows Up Death and Wipes Away Tears")
* [Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ Jesus")
* [2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 5:9 offers profound spiritual lessons for believers today, mirroring Israel's journey from bondage to freedom and from reproach to renewed identity. Just as God definitively "rolled away" the shame of Egypt from His people, He possesses the power and desire to remove the spiritual reproach that burdens us—the shame of past sins, the condemnation of our failures, and the lingering effects of our "former Egypt" (our life apart from Christ). This verse invites us to embrace the new identity we have in Christ, understanding that through His sacrifice, we are no longer defined by our past but by His grace and righteousness. It calls us to trust in God's faithfulness to complete the work He has begun in us, enabling us to walk in the freedom and purpose He has ordained, leaving behind the weight of what once shamed us. We are encouraged to live as those who have been truly set free, reflecting the glory of God rather than the shadows of our past.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "reproaches" or past shames might God be calling you to surrender to Him today for His complete removal?**
* **How does understanding God's definitive act of "rolling away" Israel's reproach encourage your trust in His power to cleanse and renew your own life?**
* **In what practical ways can you live out your new identity in Christ, distinct from the "Egypt" of your former ways or the world's expectations?**

### FAQ
**What exactly was the "reproach of Egypt" that God rolled away?**

Answer: The "reproach of Egypt" was multifaceted, encompassing the deep shame and humiliation Israel carried from their past. Primarily, it referred to the disgrace of their long and brutal slavery in Egypt, which had left them downtrodden and without a national identity. It also included the taunts and scorn from the Egyptians and other nations, who questioned the power of Israel's God, suggesting He was unable to fully deliver His people or bring them into the promised land (e.g., [Exodus 32:12](/exodus/32-12 "Exodus 32:12 - Moses' Plea to God"); [Numbers 14:13-16](/numbers/14-13-16 "Numbers 14:13-16 - Moses' Intercession for Israel")). Furthermore, it could refer to the uncircumcised state of the new generation, which in the eyes of the surrounding nations (and even within Israel) was a sign of their separation from God's covenant, a mark of their wilderness wandering and perhaps even their perceived failure. By rolling away this reproach, God was not only removing their past shame but also publicly vindicating His name and establishing Israel's new, consecrated identity as His people, ready to inherit the land.

**Why was the mass circumcision at Gilgal so crucial before this declaration?**

Answer: The mass circumcision was crucial because it represented a profound act of covenant renewal and obedience. Circumcision was the physical sign of the Abrahamic covenant ([Genesis 17:9-14](/genesis/17-9-14 "Genesis 17:9-14 - The Covenant of Circumcision")), distinguishing Abraham's descendants as God's chosen people. During the forty years in the wilderness, this practice had largely ceased. Therefore, circumcising the new generation at Gilgal, immediately upon entering the Promised Land, was a powerful demonstration of their renewed commitment to God's covenant. It was an act of faith, making them vulnerable in enemy territory, but showing their absolute trust in God's protection. This act of consecration was a prerequisite for God's declaration of removing the reproach and for them to fully step into their inheritance and engage in the conquest of Canaan, demonstrating their readiness to live as God's holy nation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 5:9 finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Just as God "rolled away" the physical and spiritual reproach of Egypt from Israel through the act of circumcision and divine declaration, Christ, through His finished work on the cross, has definitively "rolled away" the reproach of sin and death from all who believe. The physical circumcision at Gilgal, which marked Israel as God's covenant people, foreshadows the spiritual circumcision of the heart in Christ ([Colossians 2:11-12](/colossians/2-11-12 "Colossians 2:11-12 - Circumcision of Christ")). Through His sacrifice, Jesus became the ultimate "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), bearing our shame and condemnation so that we might receive a new identity, free from the reproach of our past ([Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ Jesus")). We are no longer defined by our "Egypt"—our former life of bondage to sin—but by our union with Christ, becoming a "new creation" ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")), cleansed and consecrated for God's eternal purposes. The Gilgal moment points forward to the greater spiritual reality of Christ's triumph over sin and the establishment of God's new covenant people, the Church, who are called to walk in the freedom and inheritance secured by His perfect work ([Hebrews 9:26](/hebrews/9-26 "Hebrews 9:26 - Christ's Sacrifice to Put Away Sin")).

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

Genesis 34:14

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ephesians 2:11

¶ 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;