Joshua 5: How Does Joshua 5 Point To Christ?

How Joshua 5 prefigures Christ through circumcision, Passover, manna’s end, and the divine warrior—Brazos commentary distilled with Scripture.

Joshua 5 records Israel’s renewal before Jericho and presents rich patterns that point to Christ: the renewed circumcision that anticipates true circumcision of the heart in Christ, the Passover that finds fulfillment in Christ our Passover, the cessation of manna as a signpost to Christ the true bread from heaven, and the Prince of YHWH’s army who stands as the holy commander. (Hinlicky 91–101)

1. Joshua and Jesus

As Joshua’s advance strikes dread in Canaan, the commentary likens this to Christ’s entrance that terrifies demons (Mark 1:24). Joshua thus prefigures Jesus, the greater Joshua, who enters to “destroy the destroyers” and inaugurate God’s reign. (Hinlicky 91–101) 

2. Circumcision Renewed → True Circumcision in Christ

The mass circumcision at Gilgal consecrates a new generation and, typologically, looks to baptism into Christ’s death and resurrection—the true circumcision of the heart given by Jesus our Lord and Savior, who cleanses from sin. (Hinlicky 91–101)

3. Passover Kept → Christ Our Passover

Circumcision leads to Passover observance; the blood-marked people are preserved for holy fellowship. This anticipates the church’s feast grounded in the sacrifice of Christ our Passover and in baptismal incorporation into Him. (Hinlicky 91–101)

4. Manna Ceases → Bread from Heaven Fulfilled

When Israel eats the land’s produce, the manna ceases; the temporary yield gives way to settled provision. This transition points to the sufficiency and fullness found in Christ, the true bread from heaven. (Hinlicky 91–101)

5. The Prince of YHWH’s Army → Holy Commander

Joshua meets the Prince of YHWH’s army, removes sandals on holy ground, and submits as vassal. The scene anticipates Christ as the holy commander who fights for God’s purposes and claims the land as holy to YHWH. (Hinlicky 91–101) 

Works Cited

Hinlicky, Paul R. Joshua. Edited by R. R. Reno, Brazos Press: A Division of Baker Publishing Group, 2021, pp. 91–101.