King James Version

What Does Joshua 5:9 Mean?

“And the LORD said unto Joshua, This day have I rolled away the reproach of Egypt from off you. Wherefore the name of the place is called Gilgal unto this day. Gilgal: that is Rolling”

Context

And their children, whom he raised up in their stead, them Joshua circumcised: for they were uncircumcised, because they had not circumcised them by the way.

And it came to pass, when they had done circumcising all the people, that they abode in their places in the camp, till they were whole. they had: Heb. the people had made an end to be circumcised

And the LORD said unto Joshua, This day have I rolled away the reproach of Egypt from off you. Wherefore the name of the place is called Gilgal unto this day. Gilgal: that is Rolling

And the children of Israel encamped in Gilgal, and kept the passover on the fourteenth day of the month at even in the plains of Jericho.

And they did eat of the old corn of the land on the morrow after the passover, unleavened cakes, and parched corn in the selfsame day.

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(9) **This day have I rolled away. . . .—**Compare Isaiah 25:8, “He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke (or *reproach*)* of His people shall He take away from off all the earth: *for *the Lord hath spoken it *“; Colossians 2:11, “In whom (Christ) also we are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in *the putting off the body *of the *sins of the flesh *by the circumcision of Christ, buried with Him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with Him”; and 1Corinthians 15:54. “When this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, . . . then . . . Death is swallowed up in victory.”

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Joshua. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Joshua 5:9 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.