JOSHUA 5:1-15
As far as Israel was concerned, there was no inheritance possible to them until they were
circumcised. This was clearly stated in Genesis 17 where the covenant concerning the land was
given. So now, as the nation stood at the edge of Canaan, it was necessary that they follow
through on the sign of separation, which for them was circumcision. This was the sign God made
with Abraham, and it was to be continued by his posterity.
The people renewed their separation through circumcision and also renewed their relationship by
celebrating the Passover. Egypt with its bondage was behind them; the desert wanderings were
over; Jordan, the place of decision, was crossed; and the nation was now ready to conquer
Canaan. A new kind of food was necessary as Israel went against her enemies and took
possession of the country.
Joshua soon discovered that he was face to face with the Captain of the Lord’s hosts, the
commander of the Lord’s armies. Here was the Warrior and Leader, coming not to help but to take
charge.
The Captain of the Lord’s hosts came not only to direct the armies of Israel but also to fight for
Israel and with Israel and through Israel. This is the same truth as is taught in Ephesians 6:10
where we are told to “be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.”
For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and
have no confidence in the flesh (Phil. 3:3)
Theodore Epp
www.backtothebible.in
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