Joshua 5:3

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

Joshua 5:3 (KJV)

Context

The book of Joshua continues the story of Israel after Moses. The people have crossed the Jordan River and are camped at Gilgal, ready to enter the Promised Land. Joshua 5:3 records a specific act of obedience: Joshua makes sharp knives and circumcises the Israelite men at a place later called the hill of the foreskins.

Meaning

The “sharp knives” were likely flint knives, a common tool for this rite in ancient times. The location’s name, Gibeath-haaraloth, reminds readers of the event itself; the foreskins were heaped up and covered with dust, forming a mound. Joshua did not personally perform every circumcision; he ordered and oversaw the work. Any Israelite could perform the rite, not only priests or Levites.

Circumcision was the covenant sign God gave to Abraham in Genesis 17:9-14. The generation that left Egypt had neglected this sign during the wilderness wanderings. Now, before entering the land, the new generation needed to receive it. This act renewed their covenant relationship with God and restored their identity as His chosen people.

Biblical connections

This event prepared Israel to celebrate the Passover (Joshua 5:10) and to receive the land. Obedience to God’s covenant came before blessing and conquest. The physical act also points to a deeper truth. Colossians 2:11 speaks of a spiritual circumcision “without hands,” which means the inward transformation of the heart that believers receive through Christ.

Application

For believers today, physical circumcision is not required. Yet the principle of obedience and commitment to God’s covenant remains. Christians are called to obey God’s commandments, summed up in loving God with all the heart, soul, and mind, and loving one’s neighbour as oneself (Matthew 22:37-39). Just as Israel prepared for conquest, believers prepare spiritually through obedience to God’s Word.

Joshua’s leadership shows the importance of honouring God’s commands even when facing new challenges. The Israelites had just seen a miracle at the Jordan, but they still needed to obey this painful command. Obedience was crucial for their success in possessing the land.

Reflection

This verse calls readers to examine their own covenant faithfulness. God’s promises are fulfilled through obedient action. The new generation had to embrace God’s commands for themselves, not rely on their parents’ faith. In the same way, each believer must personally respond to God’s call and allow His covenant to shape their lives. This act of circumcision was a necessary step to restore their covenant relationship with God before they could inherit the land, showing that God’s promises are fulfilled through obedient action.