How does the obedience in Joshua 5:7 inspire us to follow God's directives? Setting the Scene at Gilgal Joshua 5 opens with Israel just across the Jordan, standing on the threshold of Canaan. Before a sword is lifted against Jericho, God pauses the nation for circumcision—a covenant sign neglected during the wilderness years. • Joshua 5:7 captures the moment: “So He raised up their sons in their place, and these were the ones Joshua circumcised. They were still uncircumcised because they had not been circumcised on the way.” • A whole generation had died in disbelief (Numbers 14:29-35). Now their sons receive a fresh call to obey. • Vulnerable, sore, and stationary, the men depend entirely on God’s protection—an unmistakable lesson that victory flows from submission, not self-reliance. An Act of Covenant Obedience Circumcision reaches back to God’s promise to Abraham (Genesis 17:9-14). By performing it, Israel declares, “We belong to the LORD, and we will keep His word.” Key aspects of their obedience: 1. Personal—each man submits individually. 2. Comprehensive—the entire male population participates; no half-measures. 3. Costly—it hurts and temporarily weakens the army. 4. Timely—done before any campaign, stressing that holiness precedes conquest. 5. God-initiated—Joshua “made flint knives and circumcised” because “the LORD said to Joshua” (Joshua 5:2-3). Lessons for Modern Disciples Joshua 5:7 shines a spotlight on truths that stir us toward wholehearted obedience today: • God still raises new generations to finish what the previous one neglected. Our call is to say yes where others said no. • Obedience is the pathway into promise. Israel could not take Jericho without first yielding at Gilgal; likewise, we cannot expect spiritual victory without surrendered hearts (John 15:14). • True obedience involves risk and vulnerability. Just as the men trusted God for safety while healing, believers trust Him when obedience feels costly (Romans 12:1-2). • Obedience resets identity. Gilgal rolled away Egypt’s reproach (Joshua 5:9). When we obey, the old life loses its grip, and we walk in our God-given identity (2 Corinthians 5:17). • God’s directives are clear. The command was plain; the choice was theirs. Scripture still speaks plainly (2 Timothy 3:16-17), calling for action, not debate. Scripture Echoes That Reinforce the Point • “To obey is better than sacrifice” (1 Samuel 15:22). • “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it!” (Luke 11:28). • “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only” (James 1:22). Living It Out Today • Start with what you know God has already said—His written Word. Do it before you seek fresh guidance. • Expect obedience to cost something. Time, comfort, reputation, finances—whatever the price, God rewards faithfulness (Hebrews 11:6). • Obey together. Joshua led the entire nation; shared obedience knits believers into a covenant community (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Let obedience precede battles. Face spiritual strongholds only after aligning with God’s directives. • Remember: God fights for the obedient. Israel’s walls fell because they first bowed at Gilgal. Obedience in Joshua 5:7 is not an ancient footnote; it is a living invitation. As God raised up sons in Joshua’s day, He calls us now—sons, daughters, an entire generation—to embrace His Word, step forward in faith, and watch Him open every Jericho that stands before us. |
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