A New Start
Joshua 5:2–15
📖 Scripture
2 At that time the Lord said to Joshua, “Make flint knives and circumcise the Israelites again.”
3 So Joshua made flint knives and circumcised the Israelites at Gibeath Haaraloth.
4 Now this is why he did so: All those who came out of Egypt—all the men of military age—died in the wilderness on the way after leaving Egypt.
5 All the people that came out had been circumcised, but all the people born in the wilderness during the journey from Egypt had not.
6 The Israelites had moved about in the wilderness forty years until all the men who were of military age when they left Egypt had died, since they had not obeyed the Lord. For the Lord had sworn to them that they would not see the land he had solemnly promised their ancestors to give us, a land flowing with milk and honey.
7 So he raised up their sons in their place, and these were the ones Joshua circumcised. They were still uncircumcised because they had not been circumcised on the way.
8 And after the whole nation had been circumcised, they remained where they were in camp until they were healed.
9 Then the Lord said to Joshua, “Today I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you.” So the place has been called Gilgal to this day.
10 On the evening of the fourteenth day of the month, while camped at Gilgal on the plains of Jericho, the Israelites celebrated the Passover.
11 The day after the Passover, that very day, they ate some of the produce of the land: unleavened bread and roasted grain.
12 The manna stopped the day after they ate this food from the land; there was no longer any manna for the Israelites, but that year they ate the produce of Canaan.
13 Now when Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in his hand. Joshua went up to him and asked, “Are you for us or for our enemies?”
14 “Neither,” he replied, “but as commander of the army of the Lord I have now come.” Then Joshua fell facedown to the ground in reverence, and asked him, “What message does my Lord have for his servant?”
15 The commander of the Lord’s army replied, “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so.
📘 Scripture Summary
The Lord commands Joshua to circumcise the Israelites. Joshua obeys, and they stay in camp until they are healed. The people celebrate Passover and eat produce from the land, and the manna ceases. Joshua then encounters the commander of the Lord’s army, and he bows in reverence on holy ground.
🧠 Memory Verse
“The seventh time around, when the priests sounded the trumpet blast, Joshua commanded the army, ‘Shout! For the Lord has given you the city!’”
— Joshua 6:16
🔎 Reflection
Committed to God (5:2–12)
As Israel transitions from the wilderness into the promised land, the first command God gives is surprising: circumcision. This act left the entire fighting force physically vulnerable before their enemies. Yet their obedience shows a profound truth: their success was never rooted in human strength but in their covenant relationship with God.
After the circumcision, they celebrate Passover and taste the produce of Canaan for the first time. With that taste of promise, the manna ceases—a sign that God is leading them into a new season. In our own covenant relationship through Christ, outward circumcision is no longer required, but God still calls us to demonstrate our commitment through obedient living.
Reflect on your covenant relationship with the Lord. What steps can you take to show your commitment to Him?
On Holy Ground (5:13–15)
As the conquest of Canaan approaches, Joshua encounters a mysterious figure: the commander of the Lord’s army. Joshua’s immediate response is reverence, falling facedown. Like Moses before the burning bush, he is told to remove his sandals because he stands on holy ground.
This scene reminds us that before spiritual battles are fought outwardly, they are first fought inwardly—in worship, humility, and a right posture before God. We follow a holy God who leads, guides, and fights for His people.
How do you cultivate reverence for God’s holiness? Take time to worship Him and reflect on His perfect character.
🌟 Today’s Inspiration
“The covenant people must be in proper covenant relationship with Yahweh in order for him to fight on their behalf.”
— K. Lawson Younger Jr.
🙏 Prayer
Dear God, thank You for reminding me of the importance of being in right relationship with You. Help me to be aligned with Your heart and Your will. Teach me to honor Your holiness, trust Your guidance, and glorify You in every season. In Jesus’ name, amen.
🖋 Essay
Remembering the Covenant
I recently walked through a difficult health issue that required me to return to Korea for treatment. My plans unraveled quickly as trip after trip was postponed. While I was grateful to be near family, I also felt burdened and anxious about my life and ministry waiting for me in Thailand.
During my six weeks in Korea, I began to feel distant from the life I had built. As the time came to return, questions and worries filled my mind. Would I be able to adjust again? Would I remember the language? Would I still feel like I belonged?
Yet even in that swirl of fear, God reminded me that He had called me and would guide me back into the very place He had sent me. Like Israel renewing their covenant before entering the promised land, God was calling me to renew my trust in Him.
In today’s passage, Israel demonstrates covenant obedience through circumcision and celebrates God’s faithfulness through the Passover. God responds by providing the produce of the land—a sign that He will continue to sustain them. Their task was simple: listen and obey.
As I stepped back into Thailand, I held onto the truth that God is faithful to His covenant people. He guides each step, equips each calling, and leads us forward even when the path feels uncertain.
Written by Juyoung Kim