On the evening of the fourteenth day of the month, while the Israelites were camped at Gilgal on the plains of Jericho, they kept the Passover. On the evening of the fourteenth day of the month,Israel observed Passover at the appointed time, remembering the night God delivered their fathers from Egypt. The same feast that began before the Exodus now marked their entrance into the land God had promised. Exo 12:6 You must keep it until the fourteenth day of the month… while the Israelites were camped at Gilgal Gilgal was Israel’s first major camp west of the Jordan and served as a place of renewal after the crossing, circumcision, and covenant commitment. Jos 4:19 On the tenth day of the first month the people went up… on the plains of Jericho, On the plains of Jericho, near the first fortified Canaanite city they would face, Israel focused first on worship and remembering God’s past deliverance. Jos 4:13 About 40,000 troops armed for battle crossed over… they kept the Passover. This was Israel’s first Passover celebration in Canaan, affirming that the God who redeemed them from slavery had also brought them into their inheritance. The sacrificed lamb pointed forward to Christ, whose death provides deliverance from sin. Ezr 6:19 On the fourteenth day of the first month,… Persons / Places / Events 1. IsraelitesThe people of God who have been delivered from Egypt and are now entering the Promised Land. 2. Gilgal The first campsite of the Israelites in the Promised Land, located on the plains of Jericho. It serves as a significant place of renewal and covenant. 3. Passover A Jewish festival commemorating the Israelites' deliverance from Egypt, marking their liberation from slavery and God's protection. 4. Plains of Jericho The geographical area where the Israelites camped, representing the threshold of their conquest of Canaan. 5. Fourteenth Day of the Month The specific time when the Passover is observed, aligning with the instructions given in Exodus. Teaching Points Significance of RemembranceThe observance of Passover at Gilgal underscores the importance of remembering God's past deliverance as a foundation for future faith and obedience. Renewal of Covenant Celebrating Passover in the Promised Land signifies a renewal of the covenant relationship between God and His people, reminding believers of the need to renew their commitment to God regularly. Obedience to God's Commands The Israelites' adherence to the Passover instructions demonstrates the importance of obedience to God's commands, even in new and challenging circumstances. Preparation for Conquest Observing Passover before the conquest of Jericho highlights the need for spiritual preparation and reliance on God before undertaking significant challenges. Christ as Our Passover For Christians, the Passover points to Jesus Christ, the ultimate Passover Lamb, whose sacrifice delivers us from sin and death, calling us to live in the freedom He provides. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the observance of Passover at Gilgal reflect the Israelites' relationship with God, and what can we learn from this about maintaining our relationship with God today?2. In what ways does the location of Gilgal serve as a place of spiritual significance for the Israelites, and how can we identify and create "Gilgal moments" in our own spiritual journey? 3. How does the celebration of Passover in Joshua 5:10 connect to the broader biblical theme of deliverance, and how can this theme encourage us in our current life situations? 4. What parallels can we draw between the Israelites' obedience to observe Passover and our call to obey God's commands in our lives today? 5. How does understanding Christ as our Passover Lamb deepen our appreciation for His sacrifice and influence the way we live out our faith? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 12The original institution of the Passover, where God commands the Israelites to observe this feast as a perpetual reminder of their deliverance from Egypt. Leviticus 23 Details the appointed feasts of the Lord, including the Passover, emphasizing its importance in the Jewish calendar. 1 Corinthians 5 Paul refers to Christ as our Passover lamb, drawing a parallel between the Passover and the sacrifice of Jesus, highlighting the theme of deliverance and redemption.
People Amorites, Canaanites, Israelites, JoshuaPlaces Canaan, Egypt, Gibeath-haaraloth, Gilgal, Jericho, Jordan RiverTopics Camped, Celebrated, Desert, Encamp, Encamped, Evening, Fourteenth, Gilgal, Held, Israelites, Jericho, Kept, Lowlands, Month, Observed, Passover, Plains, Sons, TentsDictionary of Bible Themes Joshua 5:10 1654 numbers, 11-99 Library The Captain of the Lord's HostAnd he said, Nay, but as captain of the host of the Lord am I now come. JOSHUA v. 14. The army of Israel was just beginning a hard conflict under an untried leader. Behind them the Jordan barred their retreat, in front of them Jericho forbade their advance. Most of them had never seen a fortified city, and had no experience nor engines for a siege. So we may well suppose that many doubts and fears shook the courage of the host, as it drew around the doomed city. Their chief had his own heavy burden. … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Whether the Rite of Circumcision was Fitting? Whether Circumcision Bestowed Sanctifying Grace? Stones Crying Out The Torments of Giant Bad Feelings Gilgal, in Deuteronomy 11:30 what the Place Was. Of Preparation. Peaceable Principles and True: Or, a Brief Answer to Mr. D'Anver's and Mr. Paul's Books against My Confession of Faith, and Differences in Judgment About Baptism no Bar to Communion. Fragrant Spices from the Mountains of Myrrh. "Thou Art all Fair, My Love; There is no Spot in Thee. " --Song of Solomon iv. 7. Joshua Links Joshua 5:10 NIVJoshua 5:10 NLT Joshua 5:10 ESV Joshua 5:10 NASB Joshua 5:10 KJV Joshua 5:10 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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