“And the children of Israel encamped in Gilgal, and kept the passover on the fourteenth day of the month at even in the plains of Jericho.”
Historical Context:Joshua 5:10 takes place after the Israelites had crossed the Jordan River and entered the Promised Land under the leadership of Joshua. The events described in this verse occur just before the conquest of Jericho.
The Passover was an important feast in the Jewish calendar, commemorating the deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. It was a reminder of God’s faithfulness and His covenant relationship with His people.
Significance of Gilgal:Gilgal was the first place where the Israelites camped after crossing the Jordan River. It was located on the eastern side of Jericho, near the entrance to the Promised Land.
Gilgal holds symbolic significance because it was at this location that the Israelites renewed their covenant with God by circumcising all the males who were born during the wilderness journey (Joshua 5:2-9). This act symbolized their identification as God’s people and their commitment to follow Him in the new land.
Observing the Passover:
- The Israelites observed the Passover on the fourteenth day of the first month (Nisan) in the Jewish calendar, which corresponds to the time of the year when the original Passover occurred in Egypt.
- The Passover lamb was sacrificed, and the people would eat unleavened bread and bitter herbs, following the instructions given by God in Exodus 12.
- By celebrating the Passover in Gilgal, the Israelites affirmed their connection to their ancestors who were freed from slavery. It also served as a reminder that God was with them in their new conquest of the land.
Spiritual Lessons:
- The observance of the Passover in Gilgal serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness and His deliverance throughout history. It highlights the importance of remembering and celebrating God’s redemptive acts in our lives.
- The act of circumcision and the renewal of the covenant demonstrate the need for consecration and commitment to God. It signifies the importance of setting ourselves apart for God’s purposes and following Him obediently.
- Just as the Israelites crossed over from the wilderness into the Promised Land, Christians today can draw parallels to their spiritual journey from a life of sin and bondage to a life of freedom in Christ. The Passover reminds us of Jesus, our Passover Lamb, who delivered us from the bondage of sin through His sacrificial death on the cross.
In summary, Joshua 5:10 portrays the children of Israel encamping in Gilgal and observing the Passover as they prepared for the conquest of Jericho. This verse emphasizes the significance of Gilgal as a place of covenant renewal and commitment to God. It reminds us of God’s faithfulness, the need for consecration, and the redemptive work of Christ in our lives.
