The Passover at Gilgal prepared Israel both physically and spiritually for receiving the Promised Land.
While the sons of Israel camped at Gilgal they observed the Passover on the evening of the fourteenth day of the month on the desert plains of Jericho. (v.10) This event takes place around 1406 BC, after the Israelites have miraculously crossed the Jordan River to enter the Promised Land. Gilgal, near Jericho, serves as their first campsite west of the Jordan, and it becomes a significant landmark in Israel’s history. Gilgal would later appear in various biblical passages as both a place of worship and, unfortunately, at times, idolatrous practice. Here, however, it symbolizes Israel’s faithful obedience to God’s covenant, as they celebrate the Passover that commemorates their deliverance from Egypt.
In observing the Passover, the Israelites recall how the LORD passed over their homes and spared them during the final plague in Egypt (Exodus 12). The timing—on the fourteenth day of the month—follows the instructions given by Moses for celebrating this feast, emphasizing Israel’s commitment to trust God’s commands even in their new homeland. For four decades in the wilderness, the LORD graciously provided manna from heaven, but soon after this Passover at Gilgal, the miraculous supply of manna ceased (Joshua 5:12). The people would now gather and eat from the produce of the land of Canaan, a sign that they were transitioning into God’s promised blessing.
Passover also foreshadows a deeper spiritual truth fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the ultimate Passover Lamb who redeems humanity from sin (1 Corinthians 5:7). Just as the ancient Passover feast marked Israel’s deliverance from slavery, so too does the sacrifice of Christ mark the believer’s deliverance from spiritual bondage. By reenacting the Passover at Gilgal, Israel renews its covenant identity and prepares for the conquest of Jericho, fully depending on the LORD’s power and guidance.
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Joshua 5:10 meaning
While the sons of Israel camped at Gilgal they observed the Passover on the evening of the fourteenth day of the month on the desert plains of Jericho. (v.10) This event takes place around 1406 BC, after the Israelites have miraculously crossed the Jordan River to enter the Promised Land. Gilgal, near Jericho, serves as their first campsite west of the Jordan, and it becomes a significant landmark in Israel’s history. Gilgal would later appear in various biblical passages as both a place of worship and, unfortunately, at times, idolatrous practice. Here, however, it symbolizes Israel’s faithful obedience to God’s covenant, as they celebrate the Passover that commemorates their deliverance from Egypt.
In observing the Passover, the Israelites recall how the LORD passed over their homes and spared them during the final plague in Egypt (Exodus 12). The timing—on the fourteenth day of the month—follows the instructions given by Moses for celebrating this feast, emphasizing Israel’s commitment to trust God’s commands even in their new homeland. For four decades in the wilderness, the LORD graciously provided manna from heaven, but soon after this Passover at Gilgal, the miraculous supply of manna ceased (Joshua 5:12). The people would now gather and eat from the produce of the land of Canaan, a sign that they were transitioning into God’s promised blessing.
Passover also foreshadows a deeper spiritual truth fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the ultimate Passover Lamb who redeems humanity from sin (1 Corinthians 5:7). Just as the ancient Passover feast marked Israel’s deliverance from slavery, so too does the sacrifice of Christ mark the believer’s deliverance from spiritual bondage. By reenacting the Passover at Gilgal, Israel renews its covenant identity and prepares for the conquest of Jericho, fully depending on the LORD’s power and guidance.