NOTES for Jos 5:1-15
The new generations, born in the wilderness, are free from fear of enemy warriors. But they risk losing sight of the fact that this war must not become an ordinary seizure of plunder or foreign lands. Yes, they are cruel, and for the moment it is hard to see how they differ from pagan conquerors. Yet God's action, transforming souls from within, is already taking place mysteriously.
The circumcision of those born in the wilderness is necessary precisely as a reminder of the covenant with the Lord who leads the people. Now the warriors are ready to fight not only with weapons: having touched the higher meaning of what is happening, they acquire a special steadfastness. And how important it is that after the circumcision the people celebrate their first Passover in the reconquered land, a Passover of free people. There will be no more manna from heaven: the people will now eat the bread of their own land.
To complete it all, Joshua meets the commander of the Lord's army. The words “Take off your shoes... for the place... is holy,” once spoken to Moses, now apply to a small piece of reconquered land that will become the Holy Land.