Feasting in Canaan

The brief interlude between the crossing of the Jordan and the beginning of the military campaign for Canaan continues with additional acts of devotion by the Israelites. The Israelites are beyond the protection of the river now. They are in enemy territory, almost within sight of the walls of Jericho. Matthew Henry notes wryly that “we may well imagine that the people of Canaan were astonished, and that when they observed the motions of the enemy they could not but think them very strange.” But the building of the monument at Gilgal, the circumcision of the men, and the events recorded in today’s passage all serve to draw the Israelites into close communion with their God as they begin to prepare for battle.

The men having been circumcised, the people are able to keep the Passover celebration on the 14th day of the month, four days after crossing the river. The Israelites apparently did not observe the Passover during the desert years, and Henry believes that the reason, like the failure to circumcise the children, had to do with God’s displeasure. But now the arduous journey that began with the miraculous deliverance from Egypt has been completed. These first few days in Canaan are an especially appropriate time for Israel to resume observance of the Passover and to reflect on God’s goodness to them. And as they look back, there are new blessings for which to praise God, for Israel now eats its first produce of the land. Presumably the people find crops ripening in fields abandoned by the Canaanites. We can only imagine their joy at finally tasting the goodness of the “land flowing with milk and honey.” With these crops, they are able to worship God in the Feasts of Unleavened Bread and of Firstfruits (Lev. 23:4–14). And it is now, with Israel beginning to reap the bounty of the land, that the manna ceases to fall. God had sent it faithfully to meet the people’s need throughout their 40 years in the desert, despite their many complaints. But now He is providing for them through natural means.

It is difficult to imagine a more significant signal that one era has ended and another begun. The desert sojourn is completely concluded. Israel has a foothold in the land and has begun living in it as God declared it should. Its task now is to drive out its enemies.