Why did Joshua circumcise the Israelites as commanded in Joshua 5:3? Setting the Scene • After forty years in the wilderness, Israel has miraculously crossed the Jordan and is camped at Gilgal (Joshua 5:1). • Every male who left Egypt had already been circumcised, but all the sons born during the journey were not (Joshua 5:4-5). • To restore covenant faithfulness, “Joshua made flint knives and circumcised the sons of Israel at Gibeath-haaraloth” (Joshua 5:3). Why Circumcision Was Commanded at This Moment • Covenant Renewal – God first established circumcision as “the sign of the covenant” with Abraham (Genesis 17:10-14). – Neglecting that sign meant neglecting the covenant; renewal was essential before taking possession of the promised inheritance. • Preparation for Passover – Only the circumcised could partake of Passover (Exodus 12:48). – The nation kept Passover just days later (Joshua 5:10), so circumcision ensured every family could celebrate in obedience. • Removal of Egypt’s Reproach – “Today I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you” (Joshua 5:9). – Circumcision marked a clean break from slavery’s shame and affirmed Israel’s identity as God’s holy people. • Readiness for Spiritual Warfare – Before facing Jericho, Israel needed spiritual alignment with God’s commands (Joshua 5:13-15). – Obedience in the small, personal act of circumcision preceded victory in the large, public battles ahead. • Heart Alignment Illustrated – Physical circumcision pointed to the deeper call: “Circumcise your hearts” (Deuteronomy 10:16; cf. Romans 2:28-29). – By obeying bodily, the nation declared willingness for inner submission as well. Key Takeaways for Today • God’s covenant signs matter; neglect leads to loss of blessing until obedience is restored. • Obedience prepares us to worship rightly and to walk in victory. • External acts are meant to mirror an internal, wholehearted devotion to the Lord. |
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