Matthew Henry Commentary Joshua 5
Matthew Henry Commentary
Joshua 5
Matthew Henry Commentary
Joshua 5
"And it came to pass, when all the kings of the Amorites, that were beyond the Jordan westward, and all the kings of the Canaanites, that were by the sea, heard how that Jehovah had dried up the waters of the Jordan from before the children of Israel, until we were passed over, that their heart melted, neither was there spirit in them any more, because of the children of Israel. At that time Jehovah said unto Joshua, Make thee knives of flint, and circumcise again the children of Israel the second time. And Joshua made him knives of lint, and circumcised the children of Israel at the hill of the foreskins. 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. For all the people that came out were circumcised; but all the people that were born in the wilderness by the way as they came forth out of Egypt, they had not circumcised. For the children of Israel walked forty years in the wilderness, till all the nation, even the men of war that came forth out of Egypt, were consumed, because they hearkened not unto the voice of Jehovah: unto whom Jehovah sware that he would not let them see the land which Jehovah sware unto their fathers that he would give us, a land flowing with milk and honey. And their children, whom he raised up in their stead, them did Joshua circumcise: for they were uncircumcised, because they had not circumcised them by the way. And it came to pass, when they had done circumcising all the nation, that they abode in their places in the camp, till they were whole. 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." — Joshua 5:1-9 (ASV)
How dreadful is the case of those who see the wrath of God advancing towards them, without being able to turn it aside or escape it! Such will be the horrible situation of the wicked; nor can words express the anguish of their feelings or the greatness of their terror. Oh, that they would now take warning, and before it is too late, flee for refuge to lay hold of that hope set before them in the gospel!
God impressed these fears on the Canaanites and dispirited them. This gave a short rest to the Israelites, and circumcision rolled away the reproach of Egypt. By this, they were acknowledged as the free-born children of God, having the seal of the covenant.
When God glorifies Himself in perfecting the salvation of His people, He not only silences all enemies but rolls back their reproaches upon themselves.
"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. And they did eat of the produce of the land on the morrow after the passover, unleavened cakes and parched grain, in the selfsame day. And the manna ceased on the morrow, after they had eaten of the produce of the land; neither had the children of Israel manna any more; but they did eat of the fruit of the land of Canaan that year." — Joshua 5:10-12 (ASV)
A solemn Passover was kept at the time appointed by the law, in the plains of Jericho, in defiance of the Canaanites around them. This fulfilled the promise (Exodus 34:24) that when they went up to keep the feasts, their land would be under the special protection of the Divine providence.
It is noted that the manna ceased as soon as they had eaten the old corn of the land. For it came just when they needed it, and so it continued only as long as they needed it. This teaches us not to expect supplies by miracles when they can be obtained through ordinary means.
The word and ordinances of God are spiritual manna, with which God nourishes his people in this wilderness. Although often forfeited, they are nevertheless continued while we are here; but when we come to the heavenly Canaan, this manna will cease, for we will no longer need it.
"And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, behold, there stood a man over against him with his sword drawn in his hand: and Joshua went unto him, and said unto him, Art thou for us, or for our adversaries? And he said, Nay; but [as] prince of the host of Jehovah am I now come. And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and did worship, and said unto him, What saith my lord unto his servant? And the prince of Jehovah`s host said unto Joshua, Put off thy shoe from off thy foot; for the place whereon thou standest is holy. And Joshua did so." — Joshua 5:13-15 (ASV)
We do not read of any appearance of God's glory to Joshua until now. One like a man appeared to him, who was to be noticed. This Man was the Son of God, the eternal Word. Joshua gave him divine honors; he received them, which a created angel would not have done, and he is called Jehovah (Joshua 6:2). To Abraham he appeared as a traveler; to Joshua as a man of war.
Christ will be to his people what their faith needs. Christ had his sword drawn, which encouraged Joshua to carry on the war with vigor. Christ's sword drawn in his hand denotes how ready he is for the defense and salvation of his people. His sword turns every way.
Joshua sought to determine whether he was a friend or a foe. The cause between the Israelites and Canaanites, between Christ and Beelzebub, does not permit anyone to refuse to take one side or the other, as one might do in worldly contests. Joshua's inquiry shows an earnest desire to know the will of Christ, and a cheerful readiness and resolution to do it. All true Christians must fight under Christ's banner, and they will conquer by his presence and assistance.
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