Joshua 5:10-12
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
This Passover wasn't just a repeat; it marked Israel's return to a sacred observance that had been largely neglected for 40 years in the wilderness. Celebrating it right after crossing the Jordan and being circumcised signified a profound spiritual reawakening and dedication to God on the very threshold of their promised land.
While the people of Israel were encamped at Gilgal, they kept the Passover on the fourteenth day of the month in the evening on the plains of Jericho. And the day after the Passover, on that very day, they ate of the produce of the land, unleavened cakes and parched grain. And the manna ceased the day after they ate of the produce of the land. And there was no longer manna for the people of Israel, but they ate of the fruit of the land of Canaan that year.
English Standard Version (ESV)
After crossing the Jordan River and establishing their camp at Gilgal, the Israelites, having just undergone a mass circumcision, celebrate their first Passover on the promised land's soil. This act marks a crucial spiritual renewal and the resumption of a sacred observance that had been largely neglected during their forty years in the wilderness, signaling their official entry into God's covenant and land.
After forty years of wandering and the monumental act of crossing the Jordan, the Israelites finally pause to celebrate a crucial feast. What makes this particular Passover so significant?
This Passover in Joshua 5:10 marks a profound turning point for the Israelites. It's their third Passover observance, with the first in Egypt and the second at Sinai.
A Lost Observance?
For the long years in the wilderness, the Passover had been largely neglected. Some scholars suggest this was a consequence of God's displeasure after their rebellion at Kadesh-Barnea. This feast, therefore, is not just a remembrance of past deliverance but a powerful symbol of renewed fellowship and God's faithfulness.
A Taste of Canaan
This celebration also coincides with the cessation of the manna and the people beginning to eat the 'old corn' of the land. It signifies a transition from God's miraculous provision in the wilderness to His provision within the Promised Land, a land flowing with milk and honey.
Just before this Passover, a significant ritual was performed. Why was it essential, and how did it prepare the people for this holy feast?
The preceding verses (Joshua 5:2-9) describe the Israelites being circumcised at Gilgal. This wasn't a new command but a resumption of a vital sign of God's covenant that had been neglected during their wilderness travels.
Rolling Away Reproach
Ask a follow-up
This act of circumcision served multiple purposes. It was a physical sign of their identity as God's chosen people and a symbol of setting themselves apart. Critically, it 'rolled away the reproach of Egypt,' signifying a break from their past bondage and uncleanness.
Purity for the Passover
Because the Passover law explicitly stated that no uncircumcised person could partake (Exodus 12:48), this ritual was a necessary prerequisite. It ensured that the people were in a state of ritual purity, ready to properly observe the Passover and fully enter into their covenant relationship with God in the Promised Land.
The Israelites didn't just celebrate the Passover anywhere. Their encampment at Gilgal held a special significance. What made this location so important?
Gilgal became the Israelites' first permanent camp in the Promised Land, situated on the plains near Jericho. This location wasn't just a temporary stop but a place of deep spiritual and historical importance.
Memorial and Ministry
It served as a central gathering place for the tribes for centuries. The Tabernacle was located there during the early wars, and later, it became a site for Samuel's ministry and solemn assemblies. Even after the Temple was built, it retained significance, hosting a school of prophets.
A Holy Encounter
Significantly, it was at Gilgal that Joshua encountered the 'Captain of the host of the LORD.' This divine appearance, where Joshua was told to remove his sandals because the ground was holy, underscored the sacredness of their new standing and the divine leadership guiding them. The Passover celebrated here was on ground consecrated by God's presence.
Understand the original words
pesach · Hebrew Noun
The foundational feast of Israel commemorating the LORD's deliverance of His people from slavery in Egypt, specifically the night when the destroyer passed over the houses marked by the blood of the lamb.
pesach · Hebrew Noun
A major annual feast commemorating the Lord’s deliverance of Israel from bondage in Egypt, centering on the sacrifice of a lamb.
man · Hebrew Noun
The miraculous, bread-like substance provided by God to sustain the Israelites during their forty years of wilderness wandering.
kena'an · Hebrew Noun
The land promised by God to Abraham and his descendants as an everlasting possession; a type of the spiritual inheritance of believers.
Celebrating the Passover for the first time in the Promised Land, after resuming circumcision, marked a profound spiritual and national re-dedication for Israel, signifying God's faithfulness and the beginning of their inheritance.
c. 1406 BC
Israelites cross the Jordan River
After 40 years in the wilderness, the Israelites, led by Joshua, miraculously crossed the Jordan River on dry ground to enter the Promised Land. This marked a significant turning point in their journey.
c. 1406 BC
Renewed circumcision at Gilgal
Upon entering Canaan, Joshua was commanded to circumcise the Israelite men, resuming the practice that had been neglected during their wilderness wanderings. This signified a renewed covenant with God.
c. 1406 BC
Israelites encamp at Gilgal
The Israelites established their first permanent camp in the Promised Land at Gilgal, a strategic location near Jericho. This became a significant religious and administrative center.
c. 1406 BC— this verse
First Passover in the Promised Land
The Israelites observed the Passover feast on the fourteenth day of the month at Gilgal, symbolizing their renewed national identity and their redemption from Egypt now that they had entered the land. Manna also ceased following this event.
c. 1406 BC
Joshua meets the Captain of the Lord's Host
While near Jericho, Joshua encountered a divine messenger, the Captain of the Lord's Host, who assured him of God's presence and power for the upcoming conquest.
c. 1406 BC
Fall of Jericho
Following God's instructions, the Israelites marched around Jericho for seven days, and on the seventh day, the walls of the city miraculously collapsed, leading to its destruction.
This passage details the very first Passover instituted by God in Egypt, establishing the pattern and significance of the feast that Israel is now observing again after a significant period.
Numbers 9:1-14This passage describes a second occasion for observing the Passover in the wilderness. Its inclusion highlights the importance of obedience and the potential for neglect, providing context for why this observance in Joshua is significant after 40 years.
Amos 5:25This prophetic passage questions whether Israel offered sacrifices and offerings during their 40 years in the wilderness. It provides a backdrop to understanding the significance of resuming the Passover observance now that they have entered the Promised Land.
Joshua 4:19-23This passage immediately precedes the Passover observance, detailing Israel crossing the Jordan River and setting up memorial stones. It emphasizes their reliance on God's power for their entry into the land, which makes the Passover observance a celebration of His faithfulness.
1 Corinthians 5:7-8This New Testament passage explicitly connects the Passover lamb to Christ and calls believers to live in purity. It shows how the Old Testament observance of Passover points forward to a greater reality in Christ, giving this historical event a profound spiritual dimension.
cambridgeJoshua 5:10: "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."
10–12. Celebration of the Passover Cessation of the Manna 10 . And the children of Israel encamped in Gilgal ] The camp became permanent, and probably in grateful memorial of the many associations connected with the place, the people made it for centuries the great gathering-place of the tribes ( Joshua 9:6 ; Joshua 10:6 ; Joshua 10:43 ). The f…
gillJoshua 5:10: "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."
And the children of Israel encamped in Gilgal,.... Not after their circumcision, but before, and where they continued encamped during that, and until the passover had been kept by them; this was little more than a mile from Jericho; see Gill on Joshua 4:19 , and kept the passover on the fourteenth day of the month at even; exactly as it was ord…
This Passover wasn't just a repeat; it marked Israel's return to a sacred observance that had been largely neglected for 40 years in the wilderness. Celebrating it right after crossing the Jordan and being circumcised signified a profound spiritual reawakening and dedication to God on the very threshold of their promised land.
After crossing the Jordan River and establishing their camp at Gilgal, the Israelites, having just undergone a mass circumcision, celebrate their first Passover on the promised land's soil. This act marks a crucial spiritual renewal and the resumption of a sacred observance that had been largely neglected during their forty years in the wilderness, signaling their official entry into God's covenant and land.
After crossing the Jordan River and establishing their camp at Gilgal, the Israelites, having just undergone a mass circumcision, celebrate their first Passover on the promised land's soil. This act marks a crucial spiritual renewal and the resumption of a sacred observance that had been largely neglected during their forty years in the wilderness, signaling their official entry into God's covenant and land.
"While the people of Israel were encamped at Gilgal, they kept the Passover on the fourteenth day of the month in the evening on the plains of Jericho. And the day after the Passover, on that very day, they ate of the produce of the land, u…" — This Passover wasn't just a repeat; it marked Israel's return to a sacred observance that had been largely neglected for 40 years in the wilderness. Celebrating it right after crossing the Jordan and…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026
