SCRIPTURE: JOSHUA 5
CIRCUMCISION AT GILGAL (vs. 1-11)
When the Amorite Kings and Canaanite kings heard heard that the Lord had dried up the Jordan River for the Israelites to cross over, their hearts melted and they no longer had the courage to face the Israelites.
Since all the men of military age had died in the desert, the people born in the desert during their journey were uncircumcised. So the Lord told Joshua to circumcise them at Gibeath Haaraloth.
The Israelites camped at Gilgal on the plains of Jericho. They celebrate the Passover on the 10th day of the month. They ate unleavened bread and roasted grain. Then the manna stopped after they ate theses food from the Lord.
THE FALL OF JERICHO (vs. 13-15)
When Joshua was near Jericho, he saw a man with a sword in his hand standing in front of him. When he knew that that man was an angelic commander of the Lord’s army, he fell facedown to the ground in reverence and took off his sandals.
THOUGHTS:
Circumcision symbolizes putting off what belongs to the sinful flesh and devoting the heart wholly to the Lord. The new generation needed a reaffirmation of their relationship with God by receiving the mark of the covenant as His people.
The Lord supplied manna to the Israelites during their 40 years in the wilderness. But at the Promised Land, they no longer needed this daily supply. God had given them the land ready for planting and harvesting. God provides people in need but He also gives them talents and resources to provide for themselves.
Joshua respected the angel sent from the Lord by removing his sandals. We should also recognize God’s authority by showing respect to Him through our actions and attitudes for others to follow.