Daniel's Time of the End

Daniel's Time of the End

Daniel 12:10 "Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand."

In that period of time many Jews will turn to the Savior (cf. Dan. 12:3), and as a result (will be spiritually purified… spotless and refined. But the wicked will continue in their ways, following and worshiping the Antichrist, the world ruler. What God revealed to Daniel will continue to be obscure to them (cf. 1Co. 2:14), but the wise (i.e., the righteous; cf. “wise” and “righteousness” in Dan. 12:3) will understand.

Salvation will come to many Jews during the Great Tribulation, see Zech. 13:8-9).

"And it shall come to pass, [that] in all the land, saith the LORD, two parts therein shall be cut off [and] die; but the third shall be left therein." "And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, it [is] my people: and they shall say, The LORD [is] my God."

The truly saved develop in godliness through trials. The unsaved pursue false values.

True wisdom comes from God. Only those who belong to God will understand. The blood of the Lord Jesus Christ purifies the Christian. We are made white, because we have been washed in His blood.

Revelation 7:14 "And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, these are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb."

We must realize that the Tribulation Christians will be tried.

The wicked are living for this life, and the pleasures they can get now. They are not looking to eternity.

My Sheep Hear My Voice

My Sheep Hear My Voice

Before Jesus was crucified He told the disciples to watch and pray, something so simple, but they let their physical bodies take over and they fell back asleep. In these last hours of time you need to hear His voice. When He tells you something, it is very important, but most ignore my voice or just discuss it and go on with what they were doing. You will see many things start to happen shortly and if you do not hear and obey His voice,... it will mean death for some of you....Jesus has only your best interest in mind. Christ knows you heart, and if you are truly His you will hear His voice. He awakes many of you at 3am on the dot, but most will roll over and go back to sleep. There are a few who will get up and pray. Your day is filled with so many things and Jesus is the last thing many of you give your time to. But Christ needs to talk to you,... to fellowship with you and only when you are still and quite (3am) can you hear Him,... the rest of your day is so busy you do not have time for Him,... but you need to make time, for time is short and the Lord has instructions for you.

Revelation Chapter 10

This passage (Rev. 10:1-11:13) is the fourth parenthetical passage in the book and explains certain things which are not the contents of the trumpets or vials, but which are fulfilled in conjunction with them, as is clear from the passage itself. Chapter 10:1-11 is a vision of the “mighty angel,” chapter 11:1-2 a vision of the temple and the Holy City, and 11:3-13 a vision of the two witnesses. This fourth parenthetical passage breaks the main vision of the trumpets and is inserted between the sixth and seventh trumpets just as the first parenthetical passage is inserted between the sixth and the seventh seals. This alone is proof that it is parenthetical. As to the fulfillment of the events of this passage that is clear, chapter 10:1-11, like the first part (Rev. 7:1-8) of the first parenthetical passage, will be fulfilled in the order in which it is given. The last part of this parenthetical passage (Rev. 11:1-13) concerning the two witnesses, will be fulfilled from the middle of the Week onward like the last part of the first parenthetical passage (Rev. 7:9-17), as is clear from both passages. Thus, the parenthetical passages are inserted in their proper places and will be fulfilled in the order as given, except for a few passages, which are always clear as to their time of fulfillment. It is only natural to understand that they are to be fulfilled in the order of events in which they are inserted unless it is stated otherwise.

The Angel and the Little Scroll

"And he had in his hand a little book open: and he set his right foot upon the sea, and [his] left [foot] on the earth," (Rev. 10:2).

Rev. 7:1-17 dealt parenthetically with the 144,000 and the many martyrs, without advancing chronologically the events of the Great Tribulation. Similarly 10:1-11:14 give additional information as a background to the seal, trumpet, and bowl judgments as we studied in vs. 1.

And he had... Another angel was introduced, apparently not one of the seven angels sounding the trumpets. We believe from scripture this angel is Christ, pointing to the angel mentioned in Rev. 8:3 is also a representation of Christ as a priest. Christ appeared frequently as the Angel of Jehovah in the Old Testament (e.g., Gen. 16:13; 24:7; 31:11, 31:13; Jdg. 6:22).

he set his... This angel, however, was pictured dramatically as robed in a cloud, having a rainbow above his head, his face brilliant with glory like the sun, and with his legs… like fiery pillars. John added that the angel held a little scroll and stood with his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the land.

on the earth... The planting of the feet on the sea and the earth (dry land), shows Christ's authority over the earth in its entirety, and the appropriation of His promised inheritance as Messiah.

Jesus is in dominion over everything. He is our source of power. Studying the Bible is more important to our life than our daily bread. Praise God, the Bible is of no private interpretation. God the Holy Spirit will teach each of us what the Bible is saying to us.

The Fall of Jericho

The Fall of Jericho

Now Jericho was straitly shut up because of the children of Israel: none went out, and none came in. Jos. 6:1

Now Jericho was... All the inhabitants of Jericho were kept within the walls and no traffic in and out of the city was permitted. They were waiting for the attack by Israel, being fearful of their impending doom (Jos. 2:10-11; 5:1). As Rahab had disclosed to the spies the residents of Jericho were filled with terror because of the advancing Israelites.

And the LORD said unto Joshua, See, I have given into thine hand Jericho, and the king thereof, and the mighty men of valour. Jos. 6:2

the Lord said... The 6th prophecy in Joshua (Jos. 6:2-5, fulfilled, Jos. 6:8-26). Next, Jos. 6:26. The Lord here was the man that had appeared to Joshua in Jos_5:13-15. Two predictions to Joshua:

1. I have given you the city of Jericho with its king and his army.

2. When the priests make a long blast on the rams’ horns and when all the people shout with a great shout, the wall of the city will fall down flat, and the people shall go straight forward and take the city (Jos. 6:4-5).

And ye shall compass the city, all ye men of war, and go round about the city once. Thus shalt thou do six days. Jos. 6:3

ye shall compass... Five commands—conquest of Jericho:

1. Circle the city with the men of war once each day for six days (Jos. 6:2).

2. Seven priests with seven rams’ horns shall go before the ark each day around the city (Jos. 6:4).

3. On the seventh day, circle the city seven times.

4. At the end of the seventh time the priests shall blow a long blast on the rams’ horns and the people shall shout with a great shout (Jos. 6:5).

5. Every man shall go straight forward to take the city.

And seven priests shall bear before the ark seven trumpets of rams' horns: and the seventh day ye shall compass the city seven times, and the priests shall blow with the trumpets. Jos. 6:4

And seven priests... There is no spiritual significance to the number seven here or elsewhere.

shall blow with... The priests, God’s ministers, were to lead the army in war and take a very prominent part in all affairs of Israel (Jos. 6:4-6; 3:3, 3:8, 3:13-17; 4:3; etc.).

And it shall come to pass, that when they make a long blast with the ram's horn, and when ye hear the sound of the trumpet, all the people shall shout with a great shout; and the wall of the city shall fall down flat, and the people shall ascend up every man straight before him. Jos. 6:5

wall of the city... The Septuagint reads: "the walls of the city will fall of their own accord." On the seventh day they were to circle Jericho seven times and then the wall of Jericho would collapse and the city would be taken.

And Joshua the son of Nun called the priests, and said unto them, Take up the ark of the covenant, and let seven priests bear seven trumpets of rams' horns before the ark of the LORD. Jos. 6:6

called the priests... Joshua passed on the commands of the Lord to Israel, so they would know exactly what to do in the conquest of Jericho (Jos. 6:6-7).

And he said unto the people, Pass on, and compass the city, and let him that is armed pass on before the ark of the LORD. Jos. 6:7

that is armed... Only the armed men of Israel, and even only a part of them, were to go around the city (Jos. 6:3, 6:7).

And it came to pass, when Joshua had spoken unto the people, that the seven priests bearing the seven trumpets of rams' horns passed on before the LORD, and blew with the trumpets: and the ark of the covenant of the LORD followed them. Jos. 6:8

passed on before... Passing on before the Lord means before the ark, the visible representation of God among Israel (Jos. 6:4, 6:6, 6:8-9, 6:11).

followed them... The order of the march is clear: The ark and the priests went between two parts of the army, the first part being led by Joshua, no doubt (Jos. 6:8-9).

And the armed men went before the priests that blew with the trumpets, and the rereward came after the ark, the priests going on, and blowing with the trumpets. Jos. 6:9

blowing with the... It seems from this that the priests blew on their trumpets in all the marches (Jos. 6:5, 6:13). This was all the noise that was to be made. The armed men were to be perfectly silent until the end of the seventh march around the city on the seventh day when the priests made the long blast with the horns (Jos. 6:5, 6:10).

And Joshua had commanded the people, saying, Ye shall not shout, nor make any noise with your voice, neither shall any word proceed out of your mouth, until the day I bid you shout; then shall ye shout. Jos. 6:10

Preserving absolute silence (except for the seven priests blowing their trumpets) this strange parade made its way toward Jericho and then around the city like a serpent. Jericho then covered about eight or nine acres and required less than 30 minutes to march around.

So the ark of the LORD compassed the city, going about it once: and they came into the camp, and lodged in the camp. Jos. 6:11

When the circuit was completed, to the amazement of the Canaanites who probably anticipated an immediate attack, the Israelites returned quietly to camp.

And Joshua rose early in the morning, and the priests took up the ark of the LORD. And seven priests bearing seven trumpets of rams' horns before the ark of the LORD went on continually, and blew with the trumpets: and the armed men went before them; but the rereward came after the ark of the LORD, the priests going on, and blowing with the trumpets. And the second day they compassed the city once, and returned into the camp: so they did six days. Jos. 6:12, 13, 14

Joshua rose early... Joshua made all thirteen marches around the city, though he was at least 80 years old. He was 110 when he died, and it is estimated that he served Israel about 30 years (Jos. 24:29). Probably the Israelites received their orders on a daily basis so that their obedience was not a once-for-all matter but a new challenge every morning. That is the way God often deals with His children. They are required to do their “daily march” with little or no knowledge of tomorrow (Pro. 27:1; Jas. 4:14; cf. Mat. 6:34).

And it came to pass on the seventh day, that they rose early about the dawning of the day, and compassed the city after the same manner seven times: only on that day they compassed the city seven times. Jos. 6:15

on the seventh... Jews hold that this was the sabbath, and that the walls fell in the evening so the actual taking of the city was at the close of the sabbath. There had to be a sabbath sometime during the seven days, so there was at least one march on a sabbath which did not break the command of God.

the same manner... All thirteen marches had to be completely around the city. Even if Jericho was only five miles around, the seven marches on the last day and taking of the city afterward would make a hard day’s work.

city seven times... The Canaanites must have laughed at the sight of armed men marching day after day in silence except for blowing trumpets. There was no effort to scale the wall, no weapons were used, no siege engines were brought up, and no other ordinary means of warfare were used. They had never seen or heard of such a foolish thing. Neither had the Israelites, but they obeyed the One who takes the "foolish" things to confound the wise and the weak things to destroy the mighty (1Co. 1:18-31).

And it came to pass at the seventh time, when the priests blew with the trumpets, Joshua said unto the people, Shout; for the LORD hath given you the city. Jos. 6:16

At the end of the seventh circuit the clear voice of Joshua rang out, Shout! For the Lord has given you the city! Also he told them to spare Rahab and her family (cf. Jos. 2:8-13).

And the city shall be accursed, even it, and all that are therein, to the LORD: only Rahab the harlot shall live, she and all that are with her in the house, because she hid the messengers that we sent. Jos. 6:17

shall be accursed... Hebrew: cherem, "devoted to destruction" (Lev. 27:28).

It was the devotion of any idolatrous object—person, city, or thing—to utter destruction. When such a curse was pronounced on a city, it meant that all the people, animals, and treasures that would ordinarily be taken were to be completely burned in the fire or consecrated to the sanctuary (Jos. 6:19, Jos. 6:24). Joshua pronounced this ban on Jericho, a great and wealthy city, evidently by divine decree, and the severity of the doom that came to all violaters is illustrated in the punishment of Achan in Jos. 7:1-26. This curse was justified, not only because its inhabitants were part of a people who had filled up their cup of iniquity (Gen. 15:16), but by the fact that fighting men from many surrounding peoples were in Jericho helping to defend it against Israel (Jos. 24:11). Its destruction would serve to paralyze further resistance to Israel on the part of other Canaanite cities when they saw the mighty power of God in the miracle of the walls falling down flat.

only Rahab the... Joshua was faithful even to Gentiles, so he commanded his army to spare Rahab and all her house as agreed in Jos. 2:1-24 (Jos. 6:17, 6:22-23).

And ye, in any wise keep yourselves from the accursed thing, lest ye make yourselves accursed, when ye take of the accursed thing, and make the camp of Israel a curse, and trouble it. But all the silver, and gold, and vessels of brass and iron, are consecrated unto the LORD: they shall come into the treasury of the LORD. Jos. 6:18, 19

and ye... Two commands—accursed things:

1. Keep yourselves from the accursed thing.

2. All the silver, gold, and vessels of brass and iron shall come into the treasury of the Lord (Jos. 6:19).

lest ye make... Anyone who broke the law of accursed things would not only be punished, he would bring a curse upon Israel (Jos. 7:1-26).

So the people shouted when the priests blew with the trumpets: and it came to pass, when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, and the people shouted with a great shout, that the wall fell down flat, so that the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they took the city. Jos. 6:20

came to pass... So when the priests blasted on the trumpets… the people gave a loud shout. That shout reverberated through the hills around, startling wild animals and terrorizing the dwellers of Jericho in their homes. At that moment the wall of Jericho, obeying the summons of God, collapsed (lit., “fell in its place”).

the wall fell... This must be taken literally, as stated here and in Jos. 6:5.

And they utterly destroyed all that was in the city, both man and woman, young and old, and ox, and sheep, and ass, with the edge of the sword. Jos. 6:21

they utterly destroyed... Such total destruction was unique, as firstfruits to God. It was also an example of His wrath on the depravity of Canaanites. In all other places the laws of conquest were carried out, meaning that the stock and the spoils (including virgin women) belonged to Israel (Jos. 11:11-14; Num. 31:9-35; Deut. 20:14).

But Joshua had said unto the two men that had spied out the country, Go into the harlot's house, and bring out thence the woman, and all that she hath, as ye sware unto her. Jos. 6:22

had said unto... Instructions had already been given the two spies to rush to Rahab’s house and save all who were with her, according to their promise in Jos. 2:1-24. Even this was an act of faith, for under normal circumstances both of these men would have been killed before reaching the house; but since God was fighting for Israel, not one man lost his life.

And the young men that were spies went in, and brought out Rahab, and her father, and her mother, and her brethren, and all that she had; and they brought out all her kindred, and left them without the camp of Israel. Jos. 6:23

the young men... What joy there must have been at the saving of Rahab and her family. She and her people became a part of Israel, and she herself married a prominent man of Judah who was in the very lineage of the coming Messiah (Mat. 1:5).

without the camp... Rahab’s family was left outside the camp temporarily, being considered unclean until the males were circumcised and the whole group became clean and made a part of Israel (Jos. 6:23-25; cp. Lev. 13:46; Num. 12:14).

And they burnt the city with fire, and all that was therein: only the silver, and the gold, and the vessels of brass and of iron, they put into the treasury of the house of the LORD. Jos. 6:24

And they burnt... As the story of this great Old Testament event moves quickly to its end, two matters are briefly mentioned: the rescue of Rahab and the burning, sacking, and curse on the city.

And Joshua saved Rahab the harlot alive, and her father's household, and all that she had; and she dwelleth in Israel even unto this day; because she hid the messengers, which Joshua sent to spy out Jericho. Jos. 6:25

unto this day... A proof that the Book of Joshua was written not long after the related events (cp. Jos. 4:9; 5:9; 6:25; 7:26; 8:28-29; 9:27; 13:13; 15:63; 22:2, 22:17; 23:8-9; Deut. 34:6).

And Joshua adjured them at that time, saying, Cursed be the man before the LORD, that riseth up and buildeth this city Jericho: he shall lay the foundation thereof in his firstborn, and in his youngest son shall he set up the gates of it. Jos. 6:26

Joshua adjured them... The 7th prophecy in Joshua (Jos. 6:26, fulfilled over 600 years later, 1Ki. 16:28). Next, Jos. 8:1. Two predictions of Joshua:

1. The man who rebuilds Jericho shall lose his firstborn when the foundation is laid.

2. He shall lose his younger son when he sets up the gates.

adjured... Hebrew: shaba‛, to be complete; to "seven" oneself (that is, swear by repeating a declaration seven times); adjure; charge by an oath; take an oath (Jos. 6:26; 1Ki. 22:16; 2Ch. 18:15). Joshua imposed a solemn oath—binding to both his people and their posterity—that they would never rebuild Jericho. It was to be an eternal monument of God’s abhorrence of idolatry. He then cursed the man that would dare to rebuild Jericho and fortify it.

So the LORD was with Joshua; and his fame was noised throughout all the country. Jos. 6:27

his fame was... Not only was Joshua magnified in the eyes of Israel (Jos. 3:7; 4:14), but he became famous among all nations of that day.

Daniel's Time of the End

Daniel's Time of the End

Daniel 12:9 "And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words [are] closed up and sealed till the time of the end."

And he said... As the angel already stated (Dan. 12:4), the words are to be closed up and sealed (kept intact and thus made available) until the time of the end (the second half of the 70th “seven” of years; cf. Dan. 12:7; also note “end” in Dan. 12:4, 12:13).

for the words... What God revealed to Daniel will continue to be obscure to them (cf. 1Co. 2:14), but the wise (i.e., the righteous; cf. “wise” and “righteousness” in Dan. 12:3) will understand.

The Words are sealed until the time of the end. These things will become more apparent to the generation this comes upon. I personally believe this is our generation. The reading of the book of Daniel was not sealed, but the understanding was sealed.

My Sheep Hear My Voice

My Sheep Hear My Voice

Before Jesus was crucified He told the disciples to watch and pray, something so simple, but they let their physical bodies take over and they fell back asleep. In these last hours of time you need to hear His voice. When He tells you something, it is very important, but most ignore my voice or just discuss it and go on with what they were doing. You will see many things start to happen shortly and if you do not hear and obey His voice,... it will mean death for some of you....Jesus has only your best interest in mind. Christ knows you heart, and if you are truly His you will hear His voice. He awakes many of you at 3am on the dot, but most will roll over and go back to sleep. There are a few who will get up and pray. Your day is filled with so many things and Jesus is the last thing many of you give your time to. But Christ needs to talk to you,... to fellowship with you and only when you are still and quite (3am) can you hear Him,... the rest of your day is so busy you do not have time for Him,... but you need to make time, for time is short and the Lord has instructions for you.

Revelation Chapter 10

This passage (Rev. 10:1-11:13) is the fourth parenthetical passage in the book and explains certain things which are not the contents of the trumpets or vials, but which are fulfilled in conjunction with them, as is clear from the passage itself. Chapter 10:1-11 is a vision of the “mighty angel,” chapter 11:1-2 a vision of the temple and the Holy City, and 11:3-13 a vision of the two witnesses. This fourth parenthetical passage breaks the main vision of the trumpets and is inserted between the sixth and seventh trumpets just as the first parenthetical passage is inserted between the sixth and the seventh seals. This alone is proof that it is parenthetical. As to the fulfillment of the events of this passage that is clear, chapter 10:1-11, like the first part (Rev. 7:1-8) of the first parenthetical passage, will be fulfilled in the order in which it is given. The last part of this parenthetical passage (Rev. 11:1-13) concerning the two witnesses, will be fulfilled from the middle of the Week onward like the last part of the first parenthetical passage (Rev. 7:9-17), as is clear from both passages. Thus, the parenthetical passages are inserted in their proper places and will be fulfilled in the order as given, except for a few passages, which are always clear as to their time of fulfillment. It is only natural to understand that they are to be fulfilled in the order of events in which they are inserted unless it is stated otherwise.

The Angel and the Little Scroll

This mighty angel is no doubt, Christ, who will come down from heaven with the little book open having taken it from the right hand of God the Father in Rev. 5 and having opened the seven seals in Rev. 6:1-8:1. He is now ready to reveal the contents of the things “written within.” The word “another” shows that this angel is not one of the trumpet angels, as is supposed by some. Not only the description of the angel proves him to be Christ, but in 11:13 He speaks of the two witnesses as being “my two witnesses.” Such could not be written of a common angel. About 150 times in the Bible God is mentioned in connection with clouds. In Rev. 10:1; 14:14-16 it is the Son of man who is mentioned with clouds. Never in the Bible are common angels mentioned with clouds. The “rainbow” is never used in the Bible apart from God, so this angel here must be the Son of God. This angel cries “as when a lion roareth” which connects him with “the Lion of the tribe of Judah,” Rev. 5:5. Such passages as Isa. 31:4-5; Jer. 25:29-36; Hos. 11:10-11; Joel 3:16; Amos 3:8 speak of the Lord roaring in wrath as a lion in the Day of the Lord. Then too, Christ is the only person with the same authority exhibited by this angel.

"And I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud: and a rainbow [was] upon his head, and his face [was] as it were the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire:" (Rev. 10:1).

I saw another... Rev. 10:1-11:14 again is the 4th parenthetical passage in the book. It explains certain events which are not the contents of the seals, trumpets, or vials, but which happen along with the main events of this period. It breaks the main vision of the trumpets and is inserted between the 6th and 7th trumpets, as the first parenthetical passage is inserted between the 6th and 7th seals (Rev. 7:1-17).

It is made up of 4 parts:

1. Rev. 10:1-11, the reception of the revelation of the things written within the 7 sealed book (Rev. 5:5-7; Rev. 6:1-8:1)

2. Rev. 11:1-2, the vision of the capture of Jerusalem by Antichrist (Dan. 11:40-45; 2Th. 2:3-4)

3. Rev. 11:3-12, the ministry of the two witnesses who will oppose Antichrist the last 3 1/2 years of Daniel’s 70th week

4. Rev. 11:13-14, the great earthquake which takes place at the ascension of the two witnesses—the same as the great earthquake under the 7th vial at the end of Daniel’s 70th week (Rev. 16:17-21)

Again, all the parenthetical passages are inserted in their proper place of fulfillment unless it is clear otherwise that they are not to be fulfilled in the place where they are revealed. All facts of fulfillment are always clear in the passages themselves so that no confusion need arise.

mighty angel come... All angels are mighty in power, but some are more powerful than others in authority if not in physical strength (Rev. 18:1; 2Th. 1:7; Jude 1:9).

This Angel Is Christ:

1. The description of Him in Rev. 10:1 proves He is Christ (cp. Rev. 1:12-16; Dan. 10:5-6).

2. The book open in His hand proves it. In Rev. 5:5-7 Christ takes the sealed book out of the right hand of God. In Rev. 6:1-8:1 He breaks the seals that bind it. Here the same little book is open so that the contents of the things written within might be revealed (Rev. 10:2, 10:8-11).

3. Christ is the one giving John this Revelation (Rev. 1:1; 10:4, 10:8-11).

4. His voice as a lion roaring (Rev. 10:3) identifies Him with the lion of Judah (Rev. 5:5; cp. Isa. 31:4-5; Jer. 25:29-36; Hos. 11:10-11; Joel 3:16; Amos 3:8). In these passages the Lord is spoken of as a lion roaring in the day of the Lord.

5. The swearing of the angel (Rev. 10:6) proves Him to be a divine person, for not one time in Scripture does an ordinary angel make an oath to God or man. In 50 scriptures it is stated that God swore or made oaths. In 31 other passages man swears to God and man (cp. Dan. 12:7).

6. Christ directs John concerning what to write and not to write (cp. Rev. 1:11, 1:19; 2:1, 2:8, 2:12, 2:18; 3:1, 3:7, 3:12, 3:14; 10:4; 14:13-14; 19:9; 21:5).

7. In Rev. 11:3 we have definite proof that the angel is Christ, for He says, I will give power unto My two witnesses. This proves Him to be a divine person.

In this, we must remember that John is seeing in a vision from God and directed by Him. God appears sometimes in visions and dreams in some other way than His Godhead. Being "clothed in a cloud", shows the royalty of this being.
A "rainbow ... upon his head" reminds us of the covenant of God with man. This covenant has been fulfilled through Jesus. Perhaps God included this to remind John, that even in judgment, He will always remember His Noahic Covenant and protect His own.
“Feet as pillars of fire”: This angel’s feet and legs indicate the firm resolve with which he will execute the Day of the Lord.

The cloud, the rainbow, the sun, and the pillars of fire all refer to deity.

The New Generation Circumcised

The New Generation Circumcised

And it came to pass, when all the kings of the Amorites, which were on the side of Jordan westward, and all the kings of the Canaanites, which were by the sea, heard that the LORD had dried up the waters of Jordan from before the children of Israel, until we were passed over, that their heart melted, neither was there spirit in them any more, because of the children of Israel. Jos. 5:1

came to pass... No doubt they had spies watching every movement of Israel. So, such an event as the drying up of Jordan would be known as quickly as it happened. This miracle made the kings of Canaan realize that the living God (who could do anything) was on Israel’s side. They had probably heard of God’s command for Israel to destroy them utterly (Deut. 7:1-6), so they lost heart and the courage to fight, but there was nothing else to do but surrender.

their heart melted... See Jos. 2:9, 2:11.

At that time the LORD said unto Joshua, Make thee sharp knives, and circumcise again the children of Israel the second time. Jos. 5:2

circumcise again the... This was not a re-circumcision of individuals (which would be impossible), but the second occasion of doing this as a nation. This implies that as a nation it had been done before leaving Egypt (Jos. 5:4), but those born in the wilderness were uncircumcised (Jos. 5:5). This also implies that there were many ways that the law was not kept during the wilderness wanderings.

And Joshua made him sharp knives, and circumcised the children of Israel at the hill of the foreskins. Jos. 5:3

sharp knives... Iron and steel were used for some things but it seems to have been the custom and perhaps the law not to circumcise with anything other than sharp flint (Exo. 4:25; cp. 20:25; Deut. 27:5). The wound seemed to heal quicker when a stone was used.

And this is the cause why Joshua did circumcise: All the people that came out of Egypt, that were males, even all the men of war, died in the wilderness by the way, after they came out of Egypt. Jos. 5:4

this is the... An explanation is given. Though all the men of Israel had been circumcised before they left Egypt, they died in the wilderness because of their disobedience at Kadesh Barnea (Num. 20:1-13; cf. 27:14; Deut. 32:51).

Now all the people that came out were circumcised: but all the people that were born in the wilderness by the way as they came forth out of Egypt, them they had not circumcised. Jos. 5:5

Their sons born during the wilderness wanderings were not circumcised, which was further evidence of their parents’ spiritual indifference. This sacred rite therefore needed to be performed on this new generation.

For the children of Israel walked forty years in the wilderness, till all the people that were men of war, which came out of Egypt, were consumed, because they obeyed not the voice of the LORD: unto whom the LORD sware that he would not shew them the land, which the LORD sware unto their fathers that he would give us, a land that floweth with milk and honey. 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. Jos. 5:6, 7

in the wilderness... This was a fulfillment of the prophecy of Num. 14:22-35.

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. Jos. 5:8

they were whole... Divine Protection

From the natural standpoint it would take circumcised adults about three weeks to get completely well. Of course, God may have healed them miraculously. He promised to be their healer (Exo. 15:26; 23:23), and He was in Moses’ day (Psm. 105:37; 107:20). However, if they were not healed, then they were temporarily handicapped by their pain. This is why the Shechemites were such easy victims for the few sons of Jacob (Gen. 34:25). Yet Israel was not attacked while they were vulnerable. This can only be explained by the fear of God being upon the Canaanites.

Joshua, an able general, knew their danger; but he also knew that God could not err, and that it was his duty to obey. Therefore, in the very teeth of his enemies, he reduced the major part of his army to a state of helplessness, simply trusting the protection of God who gave him orders. His confidence was not misplaced, for God did not let one enemy rise up against the Israelites during this time. Notice also that the command was not given while the nation was in safety on the east side of the Jordan river. God wanted to teach them another lesson of absolute dependence on Him for success through His power and wisdom. For this same reason, He had them cross Jordan when it was FLOODED instead of waiting until it could be forded.

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. Jos. 5:9

Wherefore the name... Gilgal means a wheel or rolling or circle (cp. Isa. 28:28). The doubling of the root galal, to roll, means rolling round and round, or rolling off and away. This camp of Israel was called Gilgal because their reproach was rolled away the day they were circumcised (Jos. 5:7-9). Israel considered all the uncircumcised unclean, in a state of gross impurity. Being uncircumcised made them reproachful like the uncircumcised Egyptians.

Fourteen Reasons Why Gilgal Was Prominent

1. The place of the monument of crossing Jordan on dry ground (Jos. 5:1-15 :19-20)

2. The first campsite of Israel after entering Canaan

3. The place of circumcision of those born in the wilderness during the forty years of wandering (Jos. 5:2-9)

4. The first fortified camp of Joshua in the conquest of Canaan and where his army continually returned from different directions, and the place for the women and children and protecting soldiers during the whole Canaanite war (Jos. 5:2-12; 9:6; 10:6-15, 10:43; 14:6; 15:7)

5. The place of the first Passover in Canaan (Jos. 5:9-10)

6. The place where manna ceased (Jos. 5:11-12)

7. The place where God appeared personally to Joshua as commander-in-chief of the army of Israel for the coming conquests (Jos. 5:13-15)

8. The place of the next appearance of God to Israel (Jdg. 2:1)

9. An idolatrous place during the judges (Jdg. 3:19)

10. One of the preaching appointments of Samuel (1Sa. 7:16)

11. The first place Saul, the first king of Israel since Moses (Deut. 33:5), was to meet Samuel (1Sa. 10:8); where the new kingdom was renewed (1Sa. 11:14-15); where Israel rallied to Saul to fight the Philistines (1Sa. 13:1-15); and where Saul was rejected as king (1Sa. 15:21-31)

12. The place where David was received again by Judah after the civil war (2Sa. 19:15, 19:40)

13. A place where Elijah was sent on his way to be transported (2Ki. 2:1), and one used by Elisha as headquarters (2Ki. 4:38)

14. A place of much idolatry and sin in the days of the kings (Hos. 4:15; 9:15; 12:11; Amos 4:4; 5:5)

First Passover in Canaan

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. Jos. 5:10

and kept the... This was four days after the crossing of Jordan (Jos. 4:19), while the newly-circumcised men were sore and suffering (unless God healed them). Israel, camped at Gilgal, now kept the Passover. Without circumcision they would have been unqualified to participate in this important event (Exo. 12:43-44, 12:48). Interestingly the nation arrived across the Jordan just in time to celebrate the Passover on the 14th day of the month (Exo. 12:2, 12:6). God’s timing is always precise!

This was only the third Passover the nation had observed. The first was observed in Egypt the night before their deliverance from bondage and oppression (Exo. 12:1-28). The second was observed at Mount Sinai just before the people broke camp and moved toward Canaan (Num. 9:1-5).

Apparently the Passover was not observed during the wilderness wanderings, but now at Gilgal in Canaan the feast was again observed. The recent Jordan crossing was so similar to the crossing of the Red Sea that vivid memories were brought back to those who had been in Egypt (persons under 20 at the time of the Exodus were not excluded from Canaan). No doubt many an Israelite remembered how his father killed a lamb and sprinkled its blood on the doorpost and lintel. Those now in Canaan could still hear the awful death cries of the Egyptians’ firstborn. Then there was the excitement of the midnight departure, the terror of the Egyptian pursuit, and the thrill of walking between walls of water to escape Egypt.

Now they were reliving it again. As the lambs were slain they were assured that as the Red Sea crossing was followed by the destruction of the Egyptians, so the crossing of the Jordan would be followed by the defeat of the Canaanites. So remembering the past was an excellent preparation for the tests of the future.

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. Jos. 5:11

they did eat... Perhaps they bought this old crop from the surrounding inhabitants, as suggested in Deut. 2:5-6; or they could have captured some storehouses in the neighborhood (Jos. 5:11-12). Manna ceased the next day, after falling six times a week for forty years (Jos. 5:12). Other food began to be plentiful as Israel conquered Canaan.

on the morrow... The morning after Israel had eaten the Passover and were prepared for battle they ate some of the produce of the land. Since they gave evidence of wanting to be fully obedient to the Law of God it is probable that they first brought the wave-offering of a sheaf of grain, prescribed in Lev. 23:10-14. Then the people ate freely of the harvest, including unleavened cakes and parched corn. Roasted ears of grain are still considered a delicacy in the Middle East and are eaten as a substitute for bread.

God had promised to bring Israel into a land of abundance, “a land with wheat and barley, vines and fig trees, pomegranates, olive oil, and honey” (Deut. 8:8). Now at last they had tasted the fruit of the land and realized it was a foretaste of blessings to come.

And the manna ceased on the morrow after they had eaten of the old corn of the land; neither had the children of Israel manna any more; but they did eat of the fruit of the land of Canaan that year. Jos. 5:12

and the manna... The next day the manna stopped. For 40 long years it had continued (cf. Exo. 16:4-5), but now it ceased as suddenly as it had begun, demonstrating that its provision was not a matter of chance but of special providence.

It is noteworthy that God did not discontinue the manna when Israel despised it (Num. 11:6), or even when the unbelieving generation turned away from Kadesh Barnea and wandered in the trackless wilderness. At least for the sake of their children He continued to give it, till they grew and entered the land of promise.

but they did... Then God stopped performing this miracle since natural food was available.

The Commander of the Lord's Army

And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, behold, there stood a man over against him with his sword drawn in his hand: and Joshua went unto him, and said unto him, Art thou for us, or for our adversaries? Jos. 5:13

was by Jericho... God had just brought the Israelites through three events: the rite of circumcision, the celebration of the Passover, and eating the produce of Canaan. All of these were for Israel’s edification. Next came an experience for Joshua alone. It too was extremely meaningful and would shortly be shared with the people.

It seemed obvious that the next step would be the capture of Jericho. But since no divine message of instruction had yet come to Joshua (as before the crossing of the Jordan), he went out to reconnoiter the seemingly impregnable city. Was Joshua perplexed as he viewed the secure walls of Jericho? The spies reported at Kadesh Barnea that the cities of Canaan were “large, with walls up to the sky” (Deu_1:28). Despite Joshua’s long military experience he had never led an attack on a fortified city that was prepared for a long siege. In fact, of all the walled cities in Palestine, Jericho was probably the most invincible. There was also the question of armaments. Israel’s army had no siege engines, no battering rams, no catapults, and no moving towers. Their only weapons were slings, arrows, and spears — which were like straws against the walls of Jericho. Joshua knew the battle of Jericho must be won because, now that they had crossed the Jordan, Israel’s troops had no place to which they could retreat. Further, they could not bypass the city because that would leave their women, children, goods, and cattle at Gilgal exposed to certain destruction.

Lifted up his... Pondering these heavy thoughts, Joshua was startled when something came across his sphere of vision. He lifted up his eyes to see a Soldier brandishing His sword. Instinctively he challenged the Stranger, saying in effect, “Who goes there — friend or foe?” If He were a friend, an Israelite, He was off limits and had some explaining to do. Especially was this true since Joshua had given no command for anyone to draw a sword! If the Stranger were an enemy, Joshua was ready to fight!

and said unto... This man proved to be one of the Persons of the Trinity who was personally leading Israel from Egypt. From all outward appearances Joshua thought He was a man. He stood like a man, looked like a man, held a sword like a man, spoke with an audible voice like a man, and Joshua approached Him like a man.

And he said, Nay; but as captain of the host of the LORD am I now come. And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and did worship, and said unto him, What saith my lord unto his servant? Jos. 5:14

but as captain... Five proofs that He was God, not a man:

1. He claimed to be Captain of the host of the Lord. Joshua knew God was the Captain of Israel. He had promised to go before them and lead them into Canaan, and had done so for forty years (Exo. 3:8, 3:12, 3:17-22; 6:1-8; 10:2-6; 23:20-33; 33:1-3; Jos. 1:2-9; 3:7-8; Act 7:31-37).

2. Joshua worshipped Him, and such reverence belongs only to God. If He had been only a messenger of God, He would not have permitted this worship (cp. Rev. 19:9-10; 22:8-10).

3. Joshua called Him "Lord" (Hebrew: ’Adon sovereign; lord; master; owner).

4. Joshua recognized himself as His servant.

5. The same thing was said to Joshua that was said to Moses. Only God could make such a demand (cp. Jos. 5:15 with Exo. 3:1-8).

And the captain of the LORD'S host said unto Joshua, Loose thy shoe from off thy foot; for the place whereon thou standest is holy. And Joshua did so. Jos. 5:15

The reply of the Lord to Joshua was brief but urgent. Remove your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy. The presence of the holy God sanctified this spot in a strange and defiled land (cf. a similar command to Moses, Exo. 3:5).

This was a deeply significant experience for Joshua. He had anticipated a battle between two opposing armies, Israelite and Canaanite. He had thought this was to be his war and that he was to be the general-in-charge. But then he confronted the divine Commander and learned that the battle was the Lord’s. The top general of the Lord’s army had not come to be an idle Spectator of the conflict, or even an ally. He was in complete charge and would shortly reveal His plans for capturing the citadel of Jericho.

How comforting all this was for Joshua. He did not need to bear the heavy burden and responsibility of leadership alone. By removing his sandals he gladly acknowledged that this battle and the entire conquest of Canaan was God’s conflict and that he was merely God’s servant as we are.