MPV Commentary

2 At that time, while the Israelites were encamped after their passage through the Jordan, the Lord instructed Joshua to prepare sharp knives made of flint, as they did not have enough metal tools available (compare Exodus 4:25). The command was for Joshua to circumcise the children of Israel once again.

The second circumcision took place because the rite had been discontinued for some time. Although it is not explicitly recorded in Scripture, it is likely that a general circumcision occurred before the celebration of the Passover at Sinai (compare Exodus 12:48; Numbers 9:5), as a mixed multitude accompanied the camp. The second time Israelites were circumcised was at the entrance into Canaan.

3 This event took place at the hill, possibly one of the argillaceous hills forming the highest terrace of the Jordan, near a palm forest.

4-7 Joshua circumcised the people because they had neglected to perform this rite on their children born in the wilderness. The reason for this omission was likely due to the constant movements of the people, but it is also possible that the covenant with the unbelieving generation who were doomed to perish in the wilderness was temporarily suspended (Numbers 14:33). Their children bore the iniquity of their fathers, although the covenant would be renewed with them when they entered the promised land.

8 After completing the circumcision, Joshua and his men rested in their places until they had fully recovered. It is estimated that more than fifty thousand Israelites who did not need to be circumcised remained to defend the camp if an attack had been made upon it.

9 The Lord instructed Joshua, "Today I have removed the reproach of Egypt." This statement signified the restoration of the covenant and was a practical announcement of God's renewed relationship with his people. The taunts cast by the Egyptians as Israelites were nationally rejected by God due to the cessation of circumcision had been lifted.

Gilgal was the location where this event took place, about two miles from Jericho (Josephus). It was the first place in the Holy Land pronounced "holy" (Joshua 5:15).

10 The Israelites kept the Passover on the fourteenth day of the month at evening, as commanded by law (see Exodus 12:17; Leviticus 23:5; Numbers 28:16). This marked the beginning of their national existence through a solemn act of dedication.

11-12 They ate from the old corn of the land found in storehouses belonging to the inhabitants who had fled into Jericho. They also consumed parched corn, which was new grain (see Leviticus 23:10), likely lying in the fields. The abundance of food led to the discontinuance of the manna, and its miraculous origin is evident from its timely appearance in the barren wilderness.