“At that time the LORD said unto Joshua, Make thee sharp knives, and circumcise again the children of Israel the second time.”
This verse is part of the narrative describing the events that took place when the Israelites were preparing to enter the Promised Land under the leadership of Joshua. Here are some key points to consider in understanding this verse:
Historical Context:Prior to this verse, the Israelites had been wandering in the wilderness for 40 years after their deliverance from Egypt. During this time, the older generation who had been slaves in Egypt died, and a new generation grew up. Now, they stood on the verge of entering the land that God had promised to their ancestors.
Circumcision:Circumcision was an important covenant sign given to Abraham and his descendants as a mark of their identification as God’s chosen people (Genesis 17:10-14). This practice involved the removal of the foreskin from the male reproductive organ. All males born in Israel were to be circumcised on the eighth day after their birth (Genesis 17:12).
The Second Circumcision:In Joshua 5:2, God commanded Joshua to circumcise the Israelites again. This command may seem unusual since circumcision was supposed to be done on the eighth day of a child’s life. However, because of the disobedience and lack of faith displayed by the previous generation in the wilderness, the entire generation was circumcised during their time in the wilderness, except Joshua and Caleb (Joshua 5:4-7).
Symbolic Significance:The circumcision performed in Joshua 5:2 served as a renewal of the covenant between God and the Israelites. By undergoing this procedure, the new generation of Israelites affirmed their identity as God’s chosen people and demonstrated their commitment to follow God’s commands as they entered the Promised Land.
Spiritual Lessons:The act of circumcision can teach us several important spiritual lessons. It reminds us of the need for obedience and consecration to God. It symbolizes the cutting away of our old sinful nature and the purification of our hearts (Deuteronomy 10:16; Romans 2:28-29; Colossians 2:11-12). It also highlights the importance of faithfulness and dedication to God’s covenant promises.
