Joshua 4-5

Joshua 4

Joshua sets up a pile of 12 stones at the camp sight and where the priests held the Ark as they crossed the river. I wonder if these stones are still there. I imagine there would be a problem of people throughout the centuries setting up stone memorials like this, so finding the original ones could be impossible.

Crossing the Jordan river elevated Joshua in the eyes of the people and it confirmed God was with Joshua.

As soon as the priests come out of the riverbed, the water returned to normal.

Joshua 5

Crossing the river had a paralyzing effect on the Amorites and the Canaanites. This was expected from what we know about Rahab.

So, are going to take Jericho yet? Nope. Not even close. First, the soldiers must be circumcised. On one hand, this makes sense that God wants these people to be circumcised. Remember Moses' kids not being circumcised and how God was going to kill Moses for it? God cannot use the people if they are not circumcised.

But the timing from a military perspective is - huh? Now? Remember the story of Simeon and Dinah? Men cannot fight if they have recently been circumcised. In that regard, this is a completely foolish act. But it also forces them to rely on God to fight their battle.

But verse 8 says they rested in the camp until they were healed. Phew.

Meanwhile, the Israelites celebrate Passover, the first Passover in the Promised Land. Likewise, they eat of the crops of the land and manna shuts off, never to be seen again.

Finally, Joshua is by himself and sees a man standing with a sword. It turns out to be an angel, specifically the Commander of the Lord's Army. Is this Jesus? I think some Christian commentators say yes, I personally am not 100% convinced of that, but I am sympathetic to this idea. First, Joshua is commanded to remove his shows because he is in the presence of holiness. Contrast this with other angelic counters, and not all angels have this effect. Further, looking ahead to Revelations, I personally think the White Horse and Rider, which is a warrior, depict Jesus.

But regardless, this angelic being only has one command for Joshua - take off your sandals for the ground is holy.

This is the first angelic encounter since Numbers (the story of Baleem and the donkey).

So, what's the purpose of this? My sense is that it was to encourage Joshua because in the next chapter, they begin their assault on Jericho. It is also his first battle as leader without Moses being around. So, he's probably feeling apprehensive at this moment.