James Gray's Concise Bible Commentary - Joshua 5:1-15
JORDAN CROSSED PREPARATION OF THE PEOPLE (3:1-13) The events in this section are the removal to Shittim and the encampment there (Joshua 3:1 ); directions about the leadership of the priests (Joshua 3:2-4 ); sanctification of the people (Joshua 3:5 ); encouragement of Joshua (Joshua 3:7-8 ); encouragement of the people (Joshua 3:9-13 ). There is little requiring explanation, but notice in Joshua 3:4 the care God took for the people’s guidance and the occasion for it. And do not forget the... read more
L. M. Grant's Commentary on the Bible - Joshua 5:1-15
CIRCUMCISION IN GILGAL (vs.1-9) The miraculous crossing of the Jordan awakened great fear in the hearts of the Canaanitish people, so that their hearts melted (v.1). This was God's work. It was He who was preparing the way for Israel's victorious conquest of the land of promise. Military strategy would have dictated that Israel should immediately strike then while the advantage was on their side. But the Lord did not allow this. He knew that Israel needed preparation of a different sort... read more