At that time the LORD said to Joshua, "Make flint knives and circumcise the sons of Israel once again." At that timeThis phrase sets the stage for a significant moment in Israel's history. The timing is crucial as it follows the miraculous crossing of the Jordan River, symbolizing a new chapter for the Israelites. The Hebrew root for "time" (עֵת, 'et) often denotes a specific, divinely appointed moment. This underscores God's sovereignty and perfect timing in the unfolding of His plans for His people. the LORD said to Joshua
Here, the direct communication from the LORD to Joshua emphasizes the divine authority and guidance that Joshua receives. The Hebrew name for LORD (יְהוָה, Yahweh) is the covenant name of God, highlighting His faithfulness and commitment to His promises. Joshua, as the leader, is portrayed as a faithful servant who listens and obeys God's commands, reflecting the importance of divine guidance in leadership. Make flint knives
The instruction to make flint knives is both practical and symbolic. Flint, a hard stone, was commonly used in ancient times for making sharp tools. The use of flint knives for circumcision connects the Israelites to their ancestors, as this was the same material used by Abraham. This act signifies a return to covenant faithfulness, as circumcision was a physical sign of the covenant between God and Abraham's descendants. and circumcise the sons of Israel
Circumcision is a critical covenantal sign given to Abraham in Genesis 17. It represents the Israelites' unique relationship with God and their commitment to His covenant. The Hebrew word for circumcise (מוּל, mul) means to cut or to remove, symbolizing the removal of impurity and a dedication to holiness. This act of circumcision for the new generation born in the wilderness signifies a renewal of the covenant and a preparation for entering the Promised Land. a second time
The phrase "a second time" indicates a renewal or reinstatement of the covenant practice that had been neglected during the wilderness wanderings. It highlights God's grace and the opportunity for a fresh start for the Israelites. This renewal is essential for the people to fully claim their identity as God's chosen nation and to enter the land He promised to their forefathers. The emphasis on a second chance reflects the theme of redemption and restoration that runs throughout the Bible. Persons / Places / Events 1. The LORDThe covenant-keeping God of Israel, who commands Joshua to circumcise the Israelites, reaffirming the covenant with Abraham. 2. JoshuaThe leader of Israel, successor to Moses, tasked with leading the Israelites into the Promised Land and ensuring their covenant faithfulness. 3. Sons of IsraelThe new generation of Israelites born in the wilderness, who had not yet been circumcised, representing a renewal of commitment to God's covenant. 4. Flint KnivesTools made from stone, used for the act of circumcision, symbolizing a return to the ancient practice and obedience to God's command. 5. CircumcisionA physical sign of the covenant between God and Abraham's descendants, signifying Israel's dedication and separation unto God. Teaching Points Covenant RenewalThe act of circumcision in Joshua 5:2 represents a renewal of the covenant with God. Believers today are called to renew their commitment to God regularly, examining their hearts and lives in light of His Word. Obedience to God's CommandsJoshua's obedience to God's command to circumcise the Israelites is a model for us. We are called to obey God's Word, even when it requires sacrifice or discomfort. Spiritual PreparationBefore entering the Promised Land, the Israelites needed to be spiritually prepared. Similarly, we must prepare our hearts and lives for the tasks and promises God has for us. Identity and SeparationCircumcision was a mark of identity and separation for the Israelites. As Christians, our identity in Christ should set us apart from the world, marked by our love and obedience to Him. Bible Study Questions 1. What does the act of circumcision in Joshua 5:2 symbolize in the context of the Israelites' relationship with God? 2. How does the renewal of the covenant in Joshua 5:2 relate to the concept of spiritual renewal in the New Testament? 3. In what ways can we practice obedience to God's commands in our daily lives, as Joshua did? 4. How does the concept of being set apart for God, as seen in the circumcision of the Israelites, apply to Christians today? 5. Reflect on a time when you had to prepare spiritually for a significant event or decision. How did that preparation impact the outcome? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 17This chapter details God's original covenant with Abraham, where circumcision was established as a sign of the covenant. Joshua 5:2 is a direct continuation of this covenantal practice. Exodus 4Moses' own experience with circumcision highlights the importance of obedience to God's covenantal commands, even for leaders. Romans 2Paul discusses the spiritual significance of circumcision, emphasizing that true circumcision is of the heart, by the Spirit. People Amorites, Canaanites, Israelites, JoshuaPlaces Canaan, Egypt, Gibeath-haaraloth, Gilgal, Jericho, Jordan RiverTopics Circumcise, Circumcision, Flint, Israelites, Joshua, Knives, Sharp, Sons, Stone, Stone-knives, TurnDictionary of Bible Themes Joshua 5:2 7328 ceremonies Joshua 5:2-3 4327 flint
5372 knife Library The Captain of the Lord's Host
And he said, Nay, but as captain of the host of the Lord am I now come. JOSHUA v. 14. The army of Israel was just beginning a hard conflict under an untried leader. Behind them the Jordan barred their retreat, in front of them Jericho forbade their advance. Most of them had never seen a fortified city, and had no experience nor engines for a siege. So we may well suppose that many doubts and fears shook the courage of the host, as it drew around the doomed city. Their chief had his own heavy burden. …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureWhether the Rite of Circumcision was Fitting?
Objection 1: It seems that the rite of circumcision was unfitting. For circumcision, as stated above ([4474]AA[1],2), was a profession of faith. But faith is in the apprehensive power, whose operations appear mostly in the head. Therefore the sign of circumcision should have been conferred on the head rather than on the virile member. Objection 2: Further, in the sacraments we make use of such things as are in more frequent use; for instance, water, which is used for washing, and bread, which we …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether Circumcision Bestowed Sanctifying Grace?
Objection 1: It seems that circumcision did not bestow sanctifying grace. For the Apostle says (Gal. 2:21): "If justice be by the Law, then Christ died in vain," i.e. without cause. But circumcision was an obligation imposed by the Law, according to Gal. 5:3: "I testify . . . to every man circumcising himself, that ne is a debtor to do the whole law." Therefore, if justice be by circumcision, "Christ died in vain," i.e. without cause. But this cannot be allowed. Therefore circumcision did not confer …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Stones Crying Out
'For the priests which bare the ark stood in the midst of Jordan, until every thing was finished that the Lord commanded Joshua to speak unto the people, according to all that Moses commanded Joshua: and the people hasted and passed over. 11. And it came to pass, when all the people were clean passed over, that the ark of the Lord passed over, and the priests, in the presence of the people. 12. And the children of Reuben, and the children of Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh, passed over armed …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The Torments of Giant Bad Feelings
THE TORMENTS OF GIANT BAD FEELINGS I am just a bundle of feelings. I never imagined one could have such a variety of them as I am now experiencing. Most of them are bad ones and I am greatly disturbed by them. Really, I doubt whether I am sanctified, on account of the feelings I have. Do sanctified people always feel joyful? I have heard that they do, and if it is true that they do, then I am not sanctified. Big doubts take up company with me every morning, and so long as I feel as I do I do not …
Robert Lee Berry—Adventures in the Land of Canaan Gilgal, in Deuteronomy 11:30 what the Place Was.
That which is said by Moses, that "Gerizim and Ebal were over-against Gilgal," Deuteronomy 11:30, is so obscure, that it is rendered into contrary significations by interpreters. Some take it in that sense, as if it were near to Gilgal: some far off from Gilgal: the Targumists read, "before Gilgal": while, as I think, they do not touch the difficulty; which lies not so much in the signification of the word Mul, as in the ambiguity of the word Gilgal. These do all seem to understand that Gilgal which …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica Of Preparation.
That a Christian ought necessarily to prepare himself before he presume to be a partaker of the holy communion, may evidently appear by five reasons:-- First, Because it is God's commandment; for if he commanded, under the pain of death, that none uncircumcised should eat the paschal lamb (Exod. xii. 48), nor any circumcised under four days preparation, how much greater preparation does he require of him that comes to receive the sacrament of his body and blood? which, as it succeeds, so doth it …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety Peaceable Principles and True: Or, a Brief Answer to Mr. D'Anver's and Mr. Paul's Books against My Confession of Faith, and Differences in Judgment About Baptism no Bar to Communion.
WHEREIN THEIR SCRIPTURELESS NOTIONS ARE OVERTHROWN, AND MY PEACEABLE PRINCIPLES STILL MAINTAINED. 'Do ye indeed speak righteousness, O congregation? do ye judge uprightly, O ye sons of men?'--Psalm 58:1 SIR, I have received and considered your short reply to my differences in judgment about water baptism no bar to communion; and observe, that you touch not the argument at all: but rather labour what you can, and beyond what you ought, to throw odiums upon your brother for reproving you for your error, …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Fragrant Spices from the Mountains of Myrrh. "Thou Art all Fair, My Love; There is no Spot in Thee. " --Song of Solomon iv. 7.
FRAGRANT SPICES FROM THE MOUNTAINS OF MYRRH. HOW marvellous are these words! "Thou art all fair, My love; there is no spot in thee." The glorious Bridegroom is charmed with His spouse, and sings soft canticles of admiration. When the bride extols her Lord there is no wonder, for He deserves it well, and in Him there is room for praise without possibility of flattery. But does He who is wiser than Solomon condescend to praise this sunburnt Shulamite? Tis even so, for these are His own words, and were …
Charles Hadden Spurgeon—Till He Come Joshua
The book of Joshua is the natural complement of the Pentateuch. Moses is dead, but the people are on the verge of the promised land, and the story of early Israel would be incomplete, did it not record the conquest of that land and her establishment upon it. The divine purpose moves restlessly on, until it is accomplished; so "after the death of Moses, Jehovah spake to Joshua," i. 1. The book falls naturally into three divisions: (a) the conquest of Canaan (i.-xii.), (b) the settlement of the …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Joshua 5:2 NIVJoshua 5:2 NLTJoshua 5:2 ESVJoshua 5:2 NASBJoshua 5:2 KJV
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