Though all who had come out were circumcised, none of those born in the wilderness on the journey from Egypt had been circumcised. Though all the people who came out had been circumcisedThis phrase refers to the Israelites who left Egypt during the Exodus. The act of circumcision was a sign of the covenant between God and Abraham, as described in Genesis 17:10-14. The Hebrew root for circumcision is "mûl," which signifies a cutting away, symbolizing the removal of impurity and a dedication to God. Historically, circumcision was a physical mark of identity and obedience, setting the Israelites apart from other nations. It was a reminder of their unique relationship with God and His promises to them. none of those born in the wilderness along the way
This phrase highlights the generation born during the Israelites' 40-year journey in the wilderness. The wilderness period was a time of testing and reliance on God, as the Israelites were sustained by manna and guided by the pillar of cloud and fire. The Hebrew word for wilderness, "midbar," can also mean a place of speaking, indicating that the wilderness was where God communicated His laws and guidance to His people. This generation had not been circumcised, indicating a lapse in the covenantal practice during the journey. were circumcised after they had come out of Egypt
This phrase underscores the fact that the new generation had not undergone the covenantal rite of circumcision after the Exodus. The lack of circumcision for those born in the wilderness suggests a period of spiritual neglect or a focus on survival over ritual observance. However, this also sets the stage for a renewal of the covenant as the Israelites prepare to enter the Promised Land. The act of circumcision would soon be reinstated as a necessary step to reaffirm their identity and commitment to God before claiming their inheritance in Canaan. Persons / Places / Events 1. JoshuaThe leader of the Israelites after Moses, tasked with leading them into the Promised Land. 2. IsraelitesThe people of God who were delivered from slavery in Egypt and wandered in the wilderness for 40 years. 3. WildernessThe desert area where the Israelites wandered for 40 years due to their disobedience and lack of faith. 4. EgyptThe land of slavery from which the Israelites were delivered by God through Moses. 5. CircumcisionA physical sign of the covenant between God and Abraham's descendants, which was neglected during the wilderness journey. Teaching Points Significance of ObedienceThe neglect of circumcision during the wilderness journey reflects a period of disobedience and spiritual stagnation. It serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to God's commands as a sign of faithfulness. Renewal of CovenantThe act of circumcising the new generation before entering the Promised Land symbolizes a renewal of the covenant with God. It underscores the need for each generation to commit to God's covenant personally. Spiritual PreparationJust as the Israelites needed to be physically prepared to enter the Promised Land, believers today must be spiritually prepared to enter into the promises God has for them. This involves a heart aligned with God's will. Heart CircumcisionWhile physical circumcision was a sign of the covenant, the New Testament emphasizes the circumcision of the heart. Believers are called to internal transformation and purity of heart. Bible Study Questions 1. What does the act of circumcision represent in the context of God's covenant with His people, and how does this apply to our spiritual lives today? 2. How does the neglect of circumcision during the wilderness journey reflect the spiritual state of the Israelites, and what lessons can we learn from this for our own spiritual journey? 3. In what ways can we ensure that we are spiritually prepared to enter into the promises God has for us, similar to how the Israelites prepared to enter the Promised Land? 4. How does the concept of "circumcision of the heart" in the New Testament deepen our understanding of what it means to be in covenant with God? 5. Reflect on a time when you experienced a renewal of commitment to God. What steps did you take, and how did it impact your relationship with Him? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 17This chapter details God's covenant with Abraham, where circumcision is established as a sign of the covenant. It provides the foundational understanding of why circumcision was significant for the Israelites. Exodus 12Discusses the Passover and the requirement for circumcision to partake in it, highlighting its importance in the community of God's people. Deuteronomy 10Calls for the circumcision of the heart, emphasizing the need for internal transformation alongside external rituals. Romans 2Paul speaks about the true circumcision being of the heart, not just the flesh, connecting the physical act to spiritual significance. People Amorites, Canaanites, Israelites, JoshuaPlaces Canaan, Egypt, Gibeath-haaraloth, Gilgal, Jericho, Jordan RiverTopics Along, Birth, Born, Circumcised, Circumcision, Desert, During, Egypt, Forth, Journey, Though, Undergone, Waste, Wilderness, YetDictionary of Bible Themes Joshua 5:4-8 7335 circumcision, physical 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 5:5 NIVJoshua 5:5 NLTJoshua 5:5 ESVJoshua 5:5 NASBJoshua 5:5 KJV
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