The Circumcision and Passover at Gilgal

51 Now it came about when all the kings of the Amorites who were beyond the Jordan to the west , and all the kings of the Canaanites who were by the sea , heard how e the Lord had dried up the waters of the Jordan before e the sons of Israel until they had crossed , that their hearts melted , and there was no spirit in them any longer because e of the sons of Israel .

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Joshua 5:1

Commentary on Joshua 5:1-9

(Read Joshua 5:1-9)

How dreadful is their case, who see the wrath of God advancing towards them, without being able to turn it aside, or escape it! Such will be the horrible situation of the wicked; nor can words express the anguish of their feelings, or the greatness of their terror. Oh that they would now take warning, and before it be too late, flee for refuge to lay hold upon that hope set before them in the gospel! God impressed these fears on the Canaanites, and dispirited them. This gave a short rest to the Israelites, and circumcision rolled away the reproach of Egypt. They were hereby owned to be the free-born children of God, having the seal of the covenant. When God glorifies himself in perfecting the salvation of his people, he not only silences all enemies, but rolls back their reproaches upon themselves.