Joshua
5 -Circumcision and the New Generation
Because
the Jordan River was at flood stage, the Amorites and Canaanites did not expect
the Israelites to cross over. They
expected them to cross over after the flood season was over. They probably
thought they had quite a bit more time to prepare for battle, and it was a
shock for them to discover that God had enabled Israel to cross Jordan. Once
they crossed over, Joshua set to task getting the new generation circumcised.
They had neglected to observe this rite during those years of wandering through
the wilderness. Therefore, the place where Joshua circumcised the children of
Israel was called Gilgal, which means “a rolling”.
It
was in the spring of the year, at the time of the latter rains, that Israel
performed the rite of circumcision and then celebrated the Passover. The
reproach of Egypt was rolled away from Israel.
God had promised to give the descendants of Abraham the land, and the
promise soon became a reality.
The
spiritual message here is that the old nature is no good. The old nature cannot
inherit spiritual blessing. “For the
flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh” Gal. 5:17.
When
Israel arrived in Canaan, the manna ceased, and they began to eat the old corn
of the land. Manna represents Christ in His death. He is the One who came down
to this earth “to give his life a ransom for many”. The women baked unleavened
bread for Passover, and the nation remembered how God had redeemed them from
the land of Egypt.
Joshua
met a man with a drawn sword, and he asked him, “are you for us, or for our
enemies? He replied, “no, but as captain
of the host of the Lord am I now come!” Joshua fell on his face before him.
Joshua learned that day that he was not totally in charge. God was leading them. All Joshua had to
remember was that he was to obey, and he was on “holy ground.” Whenever Joshua
took off his shoes, it reminded him that he was second in command. That was his
secret of his victory!
Please read the chapter listed so that you can
understand God’s Word better.
If
you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.
J.
Vernon McGee Commentary and New King James Bible.
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