Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
Joshua Ch.5 / 24 Ch.s
JOS:5
* The Canaanites are afraid, Circumcision renewed. (1-9) The
passover at Gilgal The manna ceases. (10-12) The Captain of the
Lord's host appears to Joshua. (13-15)
#1-9 How dreadful is their case, who see the wrath of God
advancing towards them, without being able to turn it aside, or
escape it! Such will be the horrible situation of the wicked;
nor can words express the anguish of their feelings, or the
greatness of their terror. Oh that they would now take warning,
and before it be too late, flee for refuge to lay hold upon that
hope set before them in the gospel! God impressed these fears on
the Canaanites, and dispirited them. This gave a short rest to
the Israelites, and circumcision rolled away the reproach of
Egypt. They were hereby owned to be the free-born children of
God, having the seal of the covenant. When God glorifies himself
in perfecting the salvation of his people, he not only silences
all enemies, but rolls back their reproaches upon themselves.
#10-12 A solemn passover was kept, at the time appointed by the
law, in the plains of Jericho, in defiance of the Canaanites
round about them. It was a performance of the promise, that when
they went up to keep the feasts, their land should be under the
special protection of the Divine providence, #Ex 34:24|. Notice
is taken of the ceasing of the manna as soon as they had eaten
the old corn of the land. For as it came just when they needed,
so it continued as long as they needed it. This teaches us not
to expect supplies by miracles, when they may be had in a common
way. The word and ordinances of God are spiritual manna, with
which God nourishes his people in this wilderness. Though often
forfeited, yet they are continued while we are here; but when we
come to the heavenly Canaan, this manna will cease, for we shall
no longer need it.
#13-15 We read not of any appearance of God's glory to Joshua
till now. There appeared to him one as a man to be noticed. This
Man was the Son of God, the eternal Word. Joshua gave him Divine
honours: he received them, which a created angel would not have
done, and he is called Jehovah, chap. #6:2|. To Abraham he
appeared as a traveller; to Joshua as a man of war. Christ will
be to his people what their faith needs. Christ had his sword
drawn, which encouraged Joshua to carry on the war with vigour.
Christ's sword drawn in his hand, denotes how ready he is for
the defence and salvation of his people. His sword turns every
way. Joshua will know whether he is a friend or a foe. The cause
between the Israelites and Canaanites, between Christ and
Beelzebub, will not admit of any man's refusing to take one part
or the other, as he may do in worldly contests. Joshua's inquiry
shows an earnest desire to know the will of Christ, and a
cheerful readiness and resolution to do it. All true Christians
must fight under Christ's banner, and they will conquer by his
presence and assistance.