יהושע, פרק ה׳, פסוק ח׳

Entering the Land of Israel marked the beginning of a major military campaign, but before the Israelites could advance, they underwent a mass circumcision. Because this procedure is particularly difficult for adults, a complete pause in their journey was necessary. The people were required to avoid any unnecessary movement, waiting in the camp until their wounds could fully heal [ביאור שטיינזלץ].

The nation stayed firmly in their place to focus entirely on their recovery. This decision to remain stationary was driven by the severe danger of traveling while wounded. In fact, it was this exact fear of the physical dangers of travel that had prevented them from performing the circumcision earlier. Therefore, the people did not move from their location until they were completely cured [מלבי״ם].

As a result of this necessary recovery period, the Israelites stayed inside their tents. They deliberately held back and did not march forward to lay siege to the city of Jericho [רש״י].