“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.”– Joshua 5:11 (KJV)
“The day after the Passover, that very day, they ate some of the produce of the land: unleavened bread and roasted grain.”– Joshua 5:11 (NLT)
“The very day after the Passover, they ate the produce of the land—unleavened bread and roasted grain.”– Joshua 5:11 (MSG)
What Does Joshua 5:11 Mean?
This verse, Joshua 5:11, speaks about an event that happened right after the Israelites celebrated Passover while they were camped at Gilgal, close to the Promised Land of Canaan. This moment was significant because it marked the first time the Israelites ate from the new land they were about to inhabit. For a long time, they had been wandering in the desert, relying on the manna that God provided. Eating the produce of the land symbolized a new beginning, a transition from reliance on God’s direct provision to enjoying the bounty of the land He promised them.
The phrase “old corn of the land” signifies that they were finally enjoying the fruits of their labor and God’s promises. Eating unleavened bread was also a reminder of their hurried departure from Egypt, where they were enslaved. The act of preparing and eating unleavened cakes and parched corn was not just a meal; it was a deeper acknowledgement of God’s covenant and faithfulness. It was a transition to living off the land He had given them, symbolizing the beginning of their new life in Canaan.
Joshua 5:11 Explanation and Commentary
This verse holds profound significance in the context of the nation of Israel. After being in Exodus for forty years, the Israelites saw a remarkable change when they entered Canaan. Instead of wandering and relying on manna, they could now cultivate their fields, grow crops, and enjoy the richness of the land. This change was not only nutritional but also spiritual. It highlighted their dependence on God, who always fulfills His promises.
When we look closely, we can see how Joshua 5:11 acts as a fulfillment of God’s promise to the Israelites. In Deuteronomy 8:7-9, God describes the land flowing with milk and honey, a land of plenty. Joshua 5:11 shows that they finally tasted the goodness of the land. This moment was filled with hope, joy, and expectancy. They felt that their struggles were worth it as they arrived at the Promised Land.
The timing of this verse also matters greatly. The day after Passover, they ate this new food. It represents a new spiritual chapter for the Israelites. Just as Passover was their liberation from Egypt, eating of the land symbolized their liberation from the past—that life of uncertainty—and stepping into God’s promises for their future. It reminds us that sometimes we need to let go of our pasts to embrace the future God has planned for us.
What a beautiful picture it paints! The act of celebrating the harvest after Passover wasn’t just about physical food. It was also about spiritual nourishment, faith, and the promises of God manifesting in their lives. For us, it may be a friendly reminder of our continual need for God, whether we are in abundance or scarcity. We should always be thankful and recognize His Hand in both situations.
Context of Joshua 5:11
Joshua 5:11 is part of a larger narrative about the Israelites entering Canaan after years of wandering in the desert. Moses had led them out of Egypt, through the Red Sea, and across the wilderness. However, it was Joshua who finally led them into the land God promised Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This chapter is filled with moments of consecration, preparation, and remembrance.
The surrounding verses in Joshua 5 depict the Israelites’ journey to prepare for battle. They had to renew their covenant with God through circumcision before they could take over the Promised Land. Verses 10-12 focus on the Passover’s significance, which commemorates their deliverance from Egypt. After following these essential steps, they experienced their first meal from what God had provided within the land.
This transition parallels our lives as we move from one season to another, whether it’s through trials or changes in our emotions, relationships, or jobs. We often find that as we move into a new phase, we reflect on our past experiences. They shape who we are but should not define our future. This passage encourages us to hear God calling us into something new, learning to let go of our past and embrace His provision and purpose.
In the contexts of hardship, this verse offers lessons on thankfulness, trusting God, and recognizing His provisions each step of our journey. Just as God was with the Israelites, we can trust that He accompanies us through our struggles. Joshua was chosen to lead with strength, and this same strength is available to us through faith in God.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Joshua 5:11
In this verse, it’s important to emphasize the significance of each key phrase. The day after Passover is more than just a simple timeframe; it represents a moment of reflection on their salvation from Egypt. It also symbolizes hope for the future as they consume the “old corn of the land” for the first time. This corn can be seen as a representation of the blessings from God.
The idea of “old corn” portrays that they were finally consuming the fruits of their hard work and the ground they fought to inherit. God’s provision is an ever-flowing source, leading us into a state of abundance. Just as He provided for the Israelites after years of struggle, He continues to provide for us regardless of our circumstances.
Eating unleavened bread is also symbolic. Leaven often represents sin or the idea of something that causes rising or growth. Therefore, consuming unleavened bread signifies purity and obedience to God’s commands. It reminds us of their origins, serving as a continuous lesson of humility. Several passages throughout the Bible refer back to this idea of unleavened bread, emphasizing the importance of maintaining integrity in our actions.
Verse 11 concludes with the phrase “in the selfsame day.” This phrasing resonates with God’s divine timing. This was an event intended by God to mark a new beginning. When we experience changes in our lives, it’s essential to pause and recognize God’s role in those transitions. Acknowledging His work in our experiences often encourages a spirit of gratitude and hope for what lies ahead.
Lessons to Learn From Joshua 5:11
There are significant lessons we can gather from Joshua 5:11. The first lesson is about waiting on God. The Israelites patiently journeyed through forty years of wilderness before they could finally enjoy the land. This mirrors our lives when we face long seasons of waiting. It invites us to trust that God’s timing is always perfect. We may not see immediate results, but every journey has its purpose, allowing us to grow and prepare for the blessings to come.
Another lesson is about gratitude. The Israelites recognized the importance of celebrating what God had provided. In our lives, we too should pause and be grateful for what we have, remembering to acknowledge the fruits of our labor. This gives us perspective and encourages us to recognize God’s ongoing blessings, whether they are small or large.
As we enjoy the “corn of the land,” we can remember that God’s promises are not merely a source of supply but rather a firm foundation for our faith. When we experience dry times in our spiritual lives, we can take heart in knowing that our relationship with God is fueled by His Word. Reading passages like this serves as a lovely reminder of His unwavering love.
Lastly, we learn about the significance of transitions. Just as the Israelites transitioned from the desert to abundance, we too face many transitions in life. Each change encourages us to reflect on what we’ve learned, how we’ve grown, and who we are becoming. Embracing these changes can help us move forward and take full advantage of what God has in store.
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on Joshua 5:11, we are reminded of God’s promises, His provision, and the importance of thanksgiving. This verse illustrates how God fulfills His promises in our lives when we are faithful and patient. Just like the Israelites, we, too, should acknowledge our growth, look forward with hope, and trust in God’s goodness.
Life may present challenges, but we should remember that God is ever-present, guiding us through different seasons and circumstances. Let us carry the lessons of Joshua 5:11 into our lives: we are promised abundance, and we must celebrate where we are while looking toward what God has in store. Explore other passages that offer guidance, like Numbers 13:10 and John 7:3 that can encourage us further. May we find joy in our faith and share that joy with others!