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.

JOSHUA 5:10KJV
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Joshua 5:10 (KJV)

What does Joshua 5:10 mean?

Joshua 5:10 describes how the Israelites camped at Gilgal and celebrated the Passover on the fourteenth day of the month, in the evening, on the plains near Jericho. This verse marks the Israelites’ first Passover observance after entering the land of Canaan, showing their obedience to God’s commands as they prepared to settle in the promised land.

The book of Joshua records the Israelites’ journey into Canaan under Joshua’s leadership. In this verse, the people have just crossed the Jordan River and are encamped at a place called Gilgal, east of Jericho. The verse highlights a significant moment: the Israelites are keeping the Passover (a memorial of their deliverance from Egypt) in a new land, signaling a fresh start and faithfulness to their covenant with God.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 5:10

  • "encamped" (חָנָה, chanah): This word means to set up camp or settle temporarily. The use here shows the Israelites are not yet settled permanently but are pausing for an important religious observance.
  • "kept" (עָשָׂה, asah): This verb means to do or make, and in this context, it refers to observing or celebrating the Passover. It emphasizes active participation and obedience.
  • "passover" (פֶּסַח, pesach): This is the name of the festival commemorating the Israelites’ escape from Egypt. Mentioning it here connects their current journey with their foundational story of deliverance.
  • "Gilgal" (גִּלְגָּל, Gilgal): This place name means "circle" or "rolling," and it becomes a significant base for the Israelites in Canaan. Its mention roots the event in a real, physical location.

Why Joshua 5:10 matters

  • Joshua 5:10 clarifies that the Israelites continued to observe their traditions and laws even after entering a new land, showing continuity and faithfulness.
  • The verse connects the Exodus story to the conquest of Canaan, reminding readers that the same God who delivered them from Egypt is guiding them into the promised land.
  • By noting the specific time and place, the verse grounds the narrative in history and geography, helping readers see the unfolding of God’s promises in concrete events.

Where else these words appear

“Gilgal” Hebrew H1537 · used in 39 verses

  • Deuteronomy 11:30 Are they not on the other side Jordan, by the way where the sun goeth down, in the land of the Canaanites, which dwell in the champaign over against Gilgal, beside the plains of Moreh?
  • Joshua 15:7 And the border went up toward Debir from the valley of Achor, and so northward, looking toward Gilgal, that is before the going up to Adummim, which is on the south side of the river: and the border passed toward the waters of Enshemesh, and the goings out thereof were at Enrogel:
  • 1 Samuel 15:21 But the people took of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the chief of the things which should have been utterly destroyed, to sacrifice unto the LORD thy God in Gilgal.

“passover” Hebrew H6453 · used in 46 verses

  • Exodus 12:11 And thus shall ye eat it; with your loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and ye shall eat it in haste: it is the LORD'S passover.
  • Numbers 28:16 And in the fourteenth day of the first month is the passover of the LORD.
  • 2 Chronicles 30:18 For a multitude of the people, even many of Ephraim, and Manasseh, Issachar, and Zebulun, had not cleansed themselves, yet did they eat the passover otherwise than it was written. But Hezekiah prayed for them, saying, The good LORD pardon every one

“Jericho” Hebrew H3405 · used in 53 verses

  • Numbers 22:1 And the children of Israel set forward, and pitched in the plains of Moab on this side Jordan by Jericho.
  • Joshua 4:19 And the people came up out of Jordan on the tenth day of the first month, and encamped in Gilgal, in the east border of Jericho.
  • Joshua 18:21 Now the cities of the tribe of the children of Benjamin according to their families were Jericho, and Bethhoglah, and the valley of Keziz,

“plains” Hebrew H6160 · used in 57 verses

  • Numbers 22:1 And the children of Israel set forward, and pitched in the plains of Moab on this side Jordan by Jericho.
  • Joshua 4:13 About forty thousand prepared for war passed over before the LORD unto battle, to the plains of Jericho.
  • Psalms 68:4 Sing unto God, sing praises to his name: extol him that rideth upon the heavens by his name JAH, and rejoice before him.