On the evening of the fourteenth day of the monthThis phrase refers to the specific timing of the Passover celebration, which is rooted in the instructions given in
Exodus 12:6. The fourteenth day of the first month, Nisan, is significant as it marks the anniversary of the Israelites' deliverance from Egypt. This timing underscores the continuity of God's covenantal faithfulness from the Exodus to the conquest of Canaan.
while the Israelites were camped at Gilgal
Gilgal is the first encampment of the Israelites after crossing the Jordan River into the Promised Land. It serves as a base of operations for the conquest of Canaan. Archaeologically, Gilgal is identified with a site near Jericho, and it holds significant historical and spiritual importance as a place of renewal and commitment to God. The name "Gilgal" is associated with the rolling away of the reproach of Egypt (Joshua 5:9).
on the plains of Jericho
The plains of Jericho are located in the Jordan Valley, a fertile area that contrasts with the surrounding desert. This geographical setting is strategic for the Israelites as they prepare to take the city of Jericho, the first major conquest in Canaan. The location highlights the transition from wilderness wandering to settling in the land promised to Abraham.
they kept the Passover
The observance of Passover at this time is significant as it marks the first celebration of this feast in the Promised Land. It symbolizes the fulfillment of God's promise to bring the Israelites into a land flowing with milk and honey. The Passover itself is a type of Christ, foreshadowing Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). This observance reaffirms the Israelites' identity as God's chosen people and their reliance on His deliverance and provision.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
IsraelitesThe people of God who have been delivered from Egypt and are now entering the Promised Land.
2.
GilgalThe 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.
PassoverA Jewish festival commemorating the Israelites' deliverance from Egypt, marking their liberation from slavery and God's protection.
4.
Plains of JerichoThe geographical area where the Israelites camped, representing the threshold of their conquest of Canaan.
5.
Fourteenth Day of the MonthThe 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 CovenantCelebrating 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 CommandsThe Israelites' adherence to the Passover instructions demonstrates the importance of obedience to God's commands, even in new and challenging circumstances.
Preparation for ConquestObserving Passover before the conquest of Jericho highlights the need for spiritual preparation and reliance on God before undertaking significant challenges.
Christ as Our PassoverFor 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 and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Joshua 5:10?
2.How does observing Passover in Joshua 5:10 demonstrate obedience to God's commands?
3.What significance does Passover hold for the Israelites in Joshua 5:10?
4.How does Joshua 5:10 connect to Exodus 12 and the first Passover?
5.How can we incorporate remembrance of God's deliverance in our daily lives?
6.What lessons from Joshua 5:10 can strengthen our faith and spiritual discipline?
7.What is the significance of the Israelites celebrating Passover in Joshua 5:10?
8.How does Joshua 5:10 reflect God's faithfulness to His promises?
9.Why is the timing of Passover in Joshua 5:10 important for the Israelites?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Joshua 5?
11.Joshua 5:10–12: How plausible is it that the manna stopped immediately once the Israelites ate the produce of the land, with no transition period?
12.What is Gilgal's significance in the Bible?
13.How did Joshua lead the Israelites into the Promised Land?
14.What are Shittim in the Bible?What Does Joshua 5:10 Mean
On the evening of the fourteenth day of the month• God gave Israel an exact date for Passover: “The fourteenth day of the first month at twilight is the LORD’s Passover” (Leviticus 23:5; cf.Exodus 12:6;Numbers 28:16).
• Their obedience reveals a nation freshly recommitted to the covenant after forty wilderness years and the recent circumcision at Gilgal (Joshua 5:2-9).
• The timing underscores the Lord’s sovereignty: Israel crosses the Jordan at flood stage (Joshua 3:15) and, four days later (Joshua 4:19), is ready to celebrate redemption right on schedule.
While the Israelites were camped at Gilgal• Gilgal lies just inside the Promised Land; it becomes Israel’s first base of operations (Joshua 4:19-20).
• The name recalls God’s promise: “Today I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you” (Joshua 5:9). The physical camp echoes a spiritual reality—shame removed, identity restored.
• Gathering the nation in one place to worship highlights unity before the coming battles (Psalm 133:1;John 17:21).
On the plains of Jericho• These open fields sit under the shadow of a fortified city (Joshua 6:1). Celebrating God’s deliverance within sight of the enemy magnifies trust in Him rather than military strength (2 Chronicles 20:17).
• Israel’s order is striking: worship first, warfare second. The sequence models putting spiritual priorities ahead of material challenges (Matthew 6:33;Ephesians 6:10-13).
• Jericho’s looming walls remind us that victory flows from God’s past faithfulness—the very theme of Passover (Deuteronomy 7:18-19).
They kept the Passover• Passover commemorates the night God spared Israel through the blood of the lamb (Exodus 12:13). Now, in the land long promised, they remember that same saving act.
• Only the second recorded national Passover since Sinai (the first was at Mount Sinai,Numbers 9:1-5); it marks a new era of covenant faithfulness.
• The feast looks ahead as well: “For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed” (1 Corinthians 5:7). Just as Israel trusted the lamb’s blood, believers trust Jesus’ finished work (Luke 22:15-20;Hebrews 9:12).
• Keeping Passover before assaulting Jericho proclaims that victory is rooted in redemption, not strategy (Zechariah 4:6).
summaryJoshua 5:10 shows Israel stepping into promise with hearts anchored in God’s past deliverance and present covenant. On the exact Passover date, in their first campsite inside Canaan, surrounded by enemy territory, they choose worship over worry. The verse teaches that obedient remembrance of God’s saving work precedes and empowers every battle we face today.
(10)
The passover.--This is the third Passover in Israel's history. The first two were kept under Moses--(1) in Egypt, when the Lord delivered them; (2) the second at Sinai, when He had "brought them unto Himself." (3) The third is on the other side Jordan under Joshua. Two belong to the Exodus, or going out; one to the Eisodus, or coming in. Compare
Luke 22:16 : "I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God."
Observe the connection between the Passover and circumcision. The law inExodus 12:48 is, "no uncircumcised person shall eat thereof." Hence, while they wandered in the wilderness, this uncircumcised generation could not keep the Passover.
Verse 10. -
And kept the passover. In reference to the question which has been discussed above, whether the passover was kept after the rebellion at Kadesh-Barnea, Keil notices, as a remarkable fact, that not only no mention of a passover as having been kept is found in the Pentateuch, after
Numbers 9:1, but there is not even any instance given of the law of sacrifice having been observed in the plains of Jericho; see above,
Joshua 4:13. "Vides ergo quia nemo immundus facit pascha, nemo incircumcisus sed quicumque mundus fuerit et circumcisus, sicut et apostolus interpretatur dicens etenim pascha nostrum immolatus est Christus. Itaque diem festum celebremus non in fermento veteri, sed in azymis sinceritatis et veritatis" (Origen, Horn. 5, on Joshua). "When soldiers take the field, they are apt to think themselves excused from religious exercises (they have not time nor thought to attend to them); yet Joshua opens the campaign with one act of devotion after another" (Matthew Henry).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
On the eveningבָּעֶ֖רֶב(bā·‘e·reḇ)Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6153:Eveningof the fourteenthבְּאַרְבָּעָה֩(bə·’ar·bā·‘āh)Preposition-b | Number - masculine singular
Strong's 702:Fourdayי֥וֹם(yō·wm)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3117:A dayof the month,לַחֹ֛דֶשׁ(la·ḥō·ḏeš)Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2320:The new moon, a monthwhile the Israelitesבְנֵֽי־(ḇə·nê-)Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121:A sonwere campedוַיַּחֲנ֥וּ(way·ya·ḥă·nū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 2583:To incline, to decline, to pitch a, tent, gen, to encampat Gilgalבַּגִּלְגָּ֑ל(bag·gil·gāl)Preposition-b, Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 1537:Gilgal -- 'circle (of stones)', the name of several places in Palestineon the plainsבְּעַֽרְב֥וֹת(bə·‘ar·ḇō·wṯ)Preposition-b | Noun - feminine plural construct
Strong's 6160:Arabah -- a steppe or desert plain, also a desert valley running south from the Sea of Galileeof Jericho,יְרִיחֽוֹ׃(yə·rî·ḥōw)Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3405:Jericho -- a city in the Jordan Valley captured by Joshuathey keptוַיַּעֲשׂ֣וּ(way·ya·‘ă·śū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 6213:To do, makethe Passover.הַפֶּ֡סַח(hap·pe·saḥ)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6453:A pretermission, exemption, Passover
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OT History: Joshua 5:10 The children of Israel encamped in Gilgal (Josh. Jos) 
