What is the meaning of Joshua 5:7? He raised up their sons in their place – “And He raised up their sons in their place” (Joshua 5:7) reminds us that the rebellious generation who left Egypt (Numbers 14:29-32) had died in the wilderness, exactly as the LORD warned (Deuteronomy 1:35-39). – God’s faithfulness to His promise continued through their children. He did not abandon the covenant; rather, He gave the next generation the privilege of entering Canaan (Numbers 14:31; Psalm 102:28). – The phrase underscores divine sovereignty: He “raised up” the sons, actively ensuring a people prepared for His purposes, just as later He “raised up” judges (Judges 2:16) and kings (1 Samuel 16:1). These were the ones Joshua circumcised – Joshua, Moses’ successor (Deuteronomy 34:9), acted promptly on God’s command at Gilgal (Joshua 5:2-3). – Circumcision had been the covenant sign since Abraham (Genesis 17:9-14). By circumcising the new generation, Joshua publicly reaffirmed their belonging to the LORD, echoing what Moses required before celebrating Passover (Exodus 12:48). – Leadership lesson: covenant obedience precedes conquest. Joshua would not march on Jericho until the people were rightly marked as God’s own. Until this time they were still uncircumcised – Forty wilderness years produced a whole nation physically unmarked by the covenant. • Parents who feared giants (Numbers 13:31-33) omitted the very sign that set Israel apart. • Their omission illustrates how unbelief erodes obedience (Hebrews 3:18-19). – The delay magnifies grace: though uncircumcised, God still fed, guided, and protected them (Nehemiah 9:19-21). Since they had not been circumcised along the way – Practical difficulties, continual travel, and divine discipline converged to halt the practice. Yet God never revoked the requirement. – Gilgal, whose name sounds like “rolled away,” became a place where “the reproach of Egypt” was rolled away (Joshua 5:9). – Spiritual takeaway: long-neglected obedience can and must be addressed immediately when God gives opportunity (James 4:17). – After circumcision and healing (Joshua 5:8), Israel kept Passover (Joshua 5:10) and tasted Canaan’s produce, signaling transition from wilderness wandering to covenant fulfillment (Exodus 3:8 fulfilled). summary Joshua 5:7 highlights God replacing a faithless generation with obedient sons, Joshua’s decisive covenant leadership, and the necessity of restoring neglected obedience before enjoying promised victory. The verse assures believers that God’s purposes move forward with or without us, yet He graciously invites every generation to re-enter full covenant relationship through immediate, heartfelt obedience. |
    |