Content Summary

All the kings of Canaan melted in fear when they heard that the Israelites had crossed the Jordan River. After crossing the Jordan River, the Israelites circumcised, leaving themselves in the most vulnerable state in the territory of their enemies. Regardless of the presence of their enemies, as a nation, Israel commemorated the Passover, had their first taste of the fruit of the land of Canaan, and experienced the cease of manna provision for the first time in 40 years. 

God’s Part

God took care of the enemy. The heart of the enemies melted in fear so that they would not have courage to attack the Israelites in their most vulnerable state after the circumcision. 

The meaning of circumcision

God commanded circumcision to Joshua and the Israelites. This was a strange timing of circumcision. Why was not this done before the crossing of the Jordan? Having crossed the Jordan River, the Israelites were in fact in the enemy’s territory. Circumcision would place them in an extremely vulnerable state. Collective invasion by the kings of Canaan could completely wipe out the entire Israelites. 

No panic. This command by Joshua could have met with resistance by the military officers. Yet no one objected to his commands. 

Remember the past, but do not dwell in it

A fair amount of text is devoted to explaining why the first generation Israelites failed. Perhaps, the reason for this text is to remind the Israelites of the failure, but only to remind and learn, not to dwell. God wanted them to move on and be circumcised again to signify that the Israelites belong to the LORD. 

Then, why weren’t they circumcised in the wilderness? 

I believe there is a significance in the location of circumcision. The wilderness was only to be a temporary place for the Israelites before inheriting the land that God promised to them. A 40-year wandering in the wilderness was supposed to be a short journey of 40-day. Therefore, it was not God’s original plan to circumcise the Israelites in the temporary residence. God wanted to place a sign of circumcision to the Israelites in the land that He promised through their forefathers. 

Remember that you are second in command

After the circumcision and the Passover, Joshua encountered the captain of the host of the LORD nearby Jericho. This encounter was to ensure that he knew that he was just in second in command and to let him know that the land was to be given by the LORD – the meaning of which was encapsulated in the word, “holy.” The LORD was, is, and always to be the commander of chief. However exalted by the LORD, Joshua had to remember that he was second in command and to remain on the side of the LORD. The LORD is not required to be on the side of Joshua.

The Process of Worship

This conquest was preceded by many steps. Starting from chapter 1, people were commanded to consecrate. They were told to follow the Ark of the Covenant carried by the priest. They crossed the Jordan River still guided by the Ark of the Covenant. Memorial stones were set up to remember the LORD. Circumcision was done in the promised land. The Israelites had their Passover. The land was holy, for it was set apart by the LORD to give to His people.

The LORD guided the whole process. This whole process was indeed of worship.

Let your daily step and long-term journey be a process of worship and holiness.