The first verse in Joshua chapter 5 seems to report that the enemies of Israel “sat up and took notice” that the children of God were something special. They had crossed the river Jordan on dry land and were a formidable foe. These ancient Kings feared what God would have them do next.
So why didn’t the Lord just have His people march on and begin the conquest of Canaan? Instead, He has them circumcise all the men and boys who had not yet had this surgical procedure and pause for a healing period.
This “initiatory rite into the covenant privileges of God’s family” was initiated by Yahweh in Genesis 17; required to eat the Passover (Exodus 12:43-51) and utilized as a sign of national identity.
So, why circumcise now? The surrounding Kings’ “hearts were melted” as they were watching the Israelites. They were anxious to see which direction God’s people would head on their conquest. In a sense, they were just waiting to see who would stand up and begin the charge.
But apparently, the Lord saw something else in His people. As He called for a kind of national “time out,” this physical cutting away of the foreskin of His men allowed Yahweh to also “cut away” at their rebellious hearts.
This call to repentance is found in Deuteronomy 10:16: “Circumcise your hearts, therefore, and do not be stiff-necked any longer.” And in Jeremiah 4:4: “Circumcise yourselves to the Lord, circumcise your hearts...”
Pastor Jason wisely noted that our spiritual battles are often won or lost in the private, personal parts of life as we struggle with the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life (1 John 2:16). It is the circumcision of our hearts that produces the most spiritual fruit.
The surrounding Kings feared God’s people, but the Lord knew best. He knew His people needed a moment to address their own rebellion and future disobedience. They needed an opportunity to address the issues of their heart.
And frankly, so do we. This week would be an excellent time to pause in a self-inflicted “time out.” Maybe we could ask ourselves, “How am I dealing with the flesh, the world, and the devil? Am I being stiff-necked? Does my heart need to be circumcised?”
Consider that all this activity happened at a place called Gilgal which literally means “circle of stones.” For us, it is a place and opportunity to circle the wagons at bit and thoughtfully ask ourselves some penetrating questions. Drop the knife, just sit, and think.
So why didn’t the Lord just have His people march on and begin the conquest of Canaan? Instead, He has them circumcise all the men and boys who had not yet had this surgical procedure and pause for a healing period.
This “initiatory rite into the covenant privileges of God’s family” was initiated by Yahweh in Genesis 17; required to eat the Passover (Exodus 12:43-51) and utilized as a sign of national identity.
So, why circumcise now? The surrounding Kings’ “hearts were melted” as they were watching the Israelites. They were anxious to see which direction God’s people would head on their conquest. In a sense, they were just waiting to see who would stand up and begin the charge.
But apparently, the Lord saw something else in His people. As He called for a kind of national “time out,” this physical cutting away of the foreskin of His men allowed Yahweh to also “cut away” at their rebellious hearts.
This call to repentance is found in Deuteronomy 10:16: “Circumcise your hearts, therefore, and do not be stiff-necked any longer.” And in Jeremiah 4:4: “Circumcise yourselves to the Lord, circumcise your hearts...”
Pastor Jason wisely noted that our spiritual battles are often won or lost in the private, personal parts of life as we struggle with the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life (1 John 2:16). It is the circumcision of our hearts that produces the most spiritual fruit.
The surrounding Kings feared God’s people, but the Lord knew best. He knew His people needed a moment to address their own rebellion and future disobedience. They needed an opportunity to address the issues of their heart.
And frankly, so do we. This week would be an excellent time to pause in a self-inflicted “time out.” Maybe we could ask ourselves, “How am I dealing with the flesh, the world, and the devil? Am I being stiff-necked? Does my heart need to be circumcised?”
Consider that all this activity happened at a place called Gilgal which literally means “circle of stones.” For us, it is a place and opportunity to circle the wagons at bit and thoughtfully ask ourselves some penetrating questions. Drop the knife, just sit, and think.
Sherry Worel
Sherry Worel is a Bible teacher at heart and lives a life of ministry. She’s been involved at Coast Hills teaching Women’s LIFE, Bible studies, online courses, devotionals, participating in Upstream conversations, and much more. Having a love for education, Sherry has over 50 years of teaching experience with schools, churches, and mission agencies. As well as earning her Master’s at Talbot Seminary, she rounded out her education with 35 years as Head of School at Stoneybrooke Christian School. Sherry is happiest with a book or fishing pole in hand.