The New Generation Circumcised

The New Generation Circumcised

And it came to pass, when all the kings of the Amorites, which were on the side of Jordan westward, and all the kings of the Canaanites, which were by the sea, heard that the LORD had dried up the waters of Jordan from before the children of Israel, until we were passed over, that their heart melted, neither was there spirit in them any more, because of the children of Israel. Jos. 5:1

came to pass... No doubt they had spies watching every movement of Israel. So, such an event as the drying up of Jordan would be known as quickly as it happened. This miracle made the kings of Canaan realize that the living God (who could do anything) was on Israel’s side. They had probably heard of God’s command for Israel to destroy them utterly (Deut. 7:1-6), so they lost heart and the courage to fight, but there was nothing else to do but surrender.

their heart melted... See Jos. 2:9, 2:11.

At that time the LORD said unto Joshua, Make thee sharp knives, and circumcise again the children of Israel the second time. Jos. 5:2

circumcise again the... This was not a re-circumcision of individuals (which would be impossible), but the second occasion of doing this as a nation. This implies that as a nation it had been done before leaving Egypt (Jos. 5:4), but those born in the wilderness were uncircumcised (Jos. 5:5). This also implies that there were many ways that the law was not kept during the wilderness wanderings.

And Joshua made him sharp knives, and circumcised the children of Israel at the hill of the foreskins. Jos. 5:3

sharp knives... Iron and steel were used for some things but it seems to have been the custom and perhaps the law not to circumcise with anything other than sharp flint (Exo. 4:25; cp. 20:25; Deut. 27:5). The wound seemed to heal quicker when a stone was used.

And this is the cause why Joshua did circumcise: All the people that came out of Egypt, that were males, even all the men of war, died in the wilderness by the way, after they came out of Egypt. Jos. 5:4

this is the... An explanation is given. Though all the men of Israel had been circumcised before they left Egypt, they died in the wilderness because of their disobedience at Kadesh Barnea (Num. 20:1-13; cf. 27:14; Deut. 32:51).

Now all the people that came out were circumcised: but all the people that were born in the wilderness by the way as they came forth out of Egypt, them they had not circumcised. Jos. 5:5

Their sons born during the wilderness wanderings were not circumcised, which was further evidence of their parents’ spiritual indifference. This sacred rite therefore needed to be performed on this new generation.

For the children of Israel walked forty years in the wilderness, till all the people that were men of war, which came out of Egypt, were consumed, because they obeyed not the voice of the LORD: unto whom the LORD sware that he would not shew them the land, which the LORD sware unto their fathers that he would give us, a land that floweth with milk and honey. And their children, whom he raised up in their stead, them Joshua circumcised: for they were uncircumcised, because they had not circumcised them by the way. Jos. 5:6, 7

in the wilderness... This was a fulfillment of the prophecy of Num. 14:22-35.

And it came to pass, when they had done circumcising all the people, that they abode in their places in the camp, till they were whole. Jos. 5:8

they were whole... Divine Protection

From the natural standpoint it would take circumcised adults about three weeks to get completely well. Of course, God may have healed them miraculously. He promised to be their healer (Exo. 15:26; 23:23), and He was in Moses’ day (Psm. 105:37; 107:20). However, if they were not healed, then they were temporarily handicapped by their pain. This is why the Shechemites were such easy victims for the few sons of Jacob (Gen. 34:25). Yet Israel was not attacked while they were vulnerable. This can only be explained by the fear of God being upon the Canaanites.

Joshua, an able general, knew their danger; but he also knew that God could not err, and that it was his duty to obey. Therefore, in the very teeth of his enemies, he reduced the major part of his army to a state of helplessness, simply trusting the protection of God who gave him orders. His confidence was not misplaced, for God did not let one enemy rise up against the Israelites during this time. Notice also that the command was not given while the nation was in safety on the east side of the Jordan river. God wanted to teach them another lesson of absolute dependence on Him for success through His power and wisdom. For this same reason, He had them cross Jordan when it was FLOODED instead of waiting until it could be forded.

And the LORD said unto Joshua, This day have I rolled away the reproach of Egypt from off you. Wherefore the name of the place is called Gilgal unto this day. Jos. 5:9

Wherefore the name... Gilgal means a wheel or rolling or circle (cp. Isa. 28:28). The doubling of the root galal, to roll, means rolling round and round, or rolling off and away. This camp of Israel was called Gilgal because their reproach was rolled away the day they were circumcised (Jos. 5:7-9). Israel considered all the uncircumcised unclean, in a state of gross impurity. Being uncircumcised made them reproachful like the uncircumcised Egyptians.

Fourteen Reasons Why Gilgal Was Prominent

1. The place of the monument of crossing Jordan on dry ground (Jos. 5:1-15 :19-20)

2. The first campsite of Israel after entering Canaan

3. The place of circumcision of those born in the wilderness during the forty years of wandering (Jos. 5:2-9)

4. The first fortified camp of Joshua in the conquest of Canaan and where his army continually returned from different directions, and the place for the women and children and protecting soldiers during the whole Canaanite war (Jos. 5:2-12; 9:6; 10:6-15, 10:43; 14:6; 15:7)

5. The place of the first Passover in Canaan (Jos. 5:9-10)

6. The place where manna ceased (Jos. 5:11-12)

7. The place where God appeared personally to Joshua as commander-in-chief of the army of Israel for the coming conquests (Jos. 5:13-15)

8. The place of the next appearance of God to Israel (Jdg. 2:1)

9. An idolatrous place during the judges (Jdg. 3:19)

10. One of the preaching appointments of Samuel (1Sa. 7:16)

11. The first place Saul, the first king of Israel since Moses (Deut. 33:5), was to meet Samuel (1Sa. 10:8); where the new kingdom was renewed (1Sa. 11:14-15); where Israel rallied to Saul to fight the Philistines (1Sa. 13:1-15); and where Saul was rejected as king (1Sa. 15:21-31)

12. The place where David was received again by Judah after the civil war (2Sa. 19:15, 19:40)

13. A place where Elijah was sent on his way to be transported (2Ki. 2:1), and one used by Elisha as headquarters (2Ki. 4:38)

14. A place of much idolatry and sin in the days of the kings (Hos. 4:15; 9:15; 12:11; Amos 4:4; 5:5)

First Passover in Canaan

And the children of Israel encamped in Gilgal, and kept the passover on the fourteenth day of the month at even in the plains of Jericho. Jos. 5:10

and kept the... This was four days after the crossing of Jordan (Jos. 4:19), while the newly-circumcised men were sore and suffering (unless God healed them). Israel, camped at Gilgal, now kept the Passover. Without circumcision they would have been unqualified to participate in this important event (Exo. 12:43-44, 12:48). Interestingly the nation arrived across the Jordan just in time to celebrate the Passover on the 14th day of the month (Exo. 12:2, 12:6). God’s timing is always precise!

This was only the third Passover the nation had observed. The first was observed in Egypt the night before their deliverance from bondage and oppression (Exo. 12:1-28). The second was observed at Mount Sinai just before the people broke camp and moved toward Canaan (Num. 9:1-5).

Apparently the Passover was not observed during the wilderness wanderings, but now at Gilgal in Canaan the feast was again observed. The recent Jordan crossing was so similar to the crossing of the Red Sea that vivid memories were brought back to those who had been in Egypt (persons under 20 at the time of the Exodus were not excluded from Canaan). No doubt many an Israelite remembered how his father killed a lamb and sprinkled its blood on the doorpost and lintel. Those now in Canaan could still hear the awful death cries of the Egyptians’ firstborn. Then there was the excitement of the midnight departure, the terror of the Egyptian pursuit, and the thrill of walking between walls of water to escape Egypt.

Now they were reliving it again. As the lambs were slain they were assured that as the Red Sea crossing was followed by the destruction of the Egyptians, so the crossing of the Jordan would be followed by the defeat of the Canaanites. So remembering the past was an excellent preparation for the tests of the future.

And they did eat of the old corn of the land on the morrow after the passover, unleavened cakes, and parched corn in the selfsame day. Jos. 5:11

they did eat... Perhaps they bought this old crop from the surrounding inhabitants, as suggested in Deut. 2:5-6; or they could have captured some storehouses in the neighborhood (Jos. 5:11-12). Manna ceased the next day, after falling six times a week for forty years (Jos. 5:12). Other food began to be plentiful as Israel conquered Canaan.

on the morrow... The morning after Israel had eaten the Passover and were prepared for battle they ate some of the produce of the land. Since they gave evidence of wanting to be fully obedient to the Law of God it is probable that they first brought the wave-offering of a sheaf of grain, prescribed in Lev. 23:10-14. Then the people ate freely of the harvest, including unleavened cakes and parched corn. Roasted ears of grain are still considered a delicacy in the Middle East and are eaten as a substitute for bread.

God had promised to bring Israel into a land of abundance, “a land with wheat and barley, vines and fig trees, pomegranates, olive oil, and honey” (Deut. 8:8). Now at last they had tasted the fruit of the land and realized it was a foretaste of blessings to come.

And the manna ceased on the morrow after they had eaten of the old corn of the land; neither had the children of Israel manna any more; but they did eat of the fruit of the land of Canaan that year. Jos. 5:12

and the manna... The next day the manna stopped. For 40 long years it had continued (cf. Exo. 16:4-5), but now it ceased as suddenly as it had begun, demonstrating that its provision was not a matter of chance but of special providence.

It is noteworthy that God did not discontinue the manna when Israel despised it (Num. 11:6), or even when the unbelieving generation turned away from Kadesh Barnea and wandered in the trackless wilderness. At least for the sake of their children He continued to give it, till they grew and entered the land of promise.

but they did... Then God stopped performing this miracle since natural food was available.

The Commander of the Lord's Army

And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, behold, there stood a man over against him with his sword drawn in his hand: and Joshua went unto him, and said unto him, Art thou for us, or for our adversaries? Jos. 5:13

was by Jericho... God had just brought the Israelites through three events: the rite of circumcision, the celebration of the Passover, and eating the produce of Canaan. All of these were for Israel’s edification. Next came an experience for Joshua alone. It too was extremely meaningful and would shortly be shared with the people.

It seemed obvious that the next step would be the capture of Jericho. But since no divine message of instruction had yet come to Joshua (as before the crossing of the Jordan), he went out to reconnoiter the seemingly impregnable city. Was Joshua perplexed as he viewed the secure walls of Jericho? The spies reported at Kadesh Barnea that the cities of Canaan were “large, with walls up to the sky” (Deu_1:28). Despite Joshua’s long military experience he had never led an attack on a fortified city that was prepared for a long siege. In fact, of all the walled cities in Palestine, Jericho was probably the most invincible. There was also the question of armaments. Israel’s army had no siege engines, no battering rams, no catapults, and no moving towers. Their only weapons were slings, arrows, and spears — which were like straws against the walls of Jericho. Joshua knew the battle of Jericho must be won because, now that they had crossed the Jordan, Israel’s troops had no place to which they could retreat. Further, they could not bypass the city because that would leave their women, children, goods, and cattle at Gilgal exposed to certain destruction.

Lifted up his... Pondering these heavy thoughts, Joshua was startled when something came across his sphere of vision. He lifted up his eyes to see a Soldier brandishing His sword. Instinctively he challenged the Stranger, saying in effect, “Who goes there — friend or foe?” If He were a friend, an Israelite, He was off limits and had some explaining to do. Especially was this true since Joshua had given no command for anyone to draw a sword! If the Stranger were an enemy, Joshua was ready to fight!

and said unto... This man proved to be one of the Persons of the Trinity who was personally leading Israel from Egypt. From all outward appearances Joshua thought He was a man. He stood like a man, looked like a man, held a sword like a man, spoke with an audible voice like a man, and Joshua approached Him like a man.

And he said, Nay; but as captain of the host of the LORD am I now come. And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and did worship, and said unto him, What saith my lord unto his servant? Jos. 5:14

but as captain... Five proofs that He was God, not a man:

1. He claimed to be Captain of the host of the Lord. Joshua knew God was the Captain of Israel. He had promised to go before them and lead them into Canaan, and had done so for forty years (Exo. 3:8, 3:12, 3:17-22; 6:1-8; 10:2-6; 23:20-33; 33:1-3; Jos. 1:2-9; 3:7-8; Act 7:31-37).

2. Joshua worshipped Him, and such reverence belongs only to God. If He had been only a messenger of God, He would not have permitted this worship (cp. Rev. 19:9-10; 22:8-10).

3. Joshua called Him "Lord" (Hebrew: ’Adon sovereign; lord; master; owner).

4. Joshua recognized himself as His servant.

5. The same thing was said to Joshua that was said to Moses. Only God could make such a demand (cp. Jos. 5:15 with Exo. 3:1-8).

And the captain of the LORD'S host said unto Joshua, Loose thy shoe from off thy foot; for the place whereon thou standest is holy. And Joshua did so. Jos. 5:15

The reply of the Lord to Joshua was brief but urgent. Remove your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy. The presence of the holy God sanctified this spot in a strange and defiled land (cf. a similar command to Moses, Exo. 3:5).

This was a deeply significant experience for Joshua. He had anticipated a battle between two opposing armies, Israelite and Canaanite. He had thought this was to be his war and that he was to be the general-in-charge. But then he confronted the divine Commander and learned that the battle was the Lord’s. The top general of the Lord’s army had not come to be an idle Spectator of the conflict, or even an ally. He was in complete charge and would shortly reveal His plans for capturing the citadel of Jericho.

How comforting all this was for Joshua. He did not need to bear the heavy burden and responsibility of leadership alone. By removing his sandals he gladly acknowledged that this battle and the entire conquest of Canaan was God’s conflict and that he was merely God’s servant as we are.