RPG Adults
THE ARRIVAL IN CANAAN AND CIRCUMCISION
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21
Joshua 5
Psalm 26:1-8
“…I have trusted also in the LORD;
therefore I shall not slide.”
THE ARRIVAL IN CANAAN AND CIRCUMCISION
Israel had now arrived in Canaan and all the Canaanite inhabitants heard of it and were afraid. As the children of Israel encamped in Gilgal, the kings of Canaan heard that God had dried the waters of River Jordan. Joshua 5:1 says that the heart of those kings melted and there was no more spirit in them. They could only arm themselves and use the best strategy they knew to defend themselves. Their walled cities and strong army were their hope, not knowing that these also could not stop the God of Israel.
The Canaanites had known of the coming of Israel and fear had gripped them, but they did not know what to do. It was a time for them to know the power of God. He had demonstrated His power and none could resist. Israel, on the other hand, had the Law of God and was expected to fulfil its precepts. They only had to obey God and do His bidding. God made them a rod of chastisement to the Canaanites because of their abominable lifestyle and their rejection of God. The days ahead would not be easy.
In Gilgal, Joshua circumcised all the males who were born in the wilderness but had not been circumcised since they came out of Egypt. He understood the spiritual significance of circumcision. They had not been able to do so in the wilderness for forty years. The covenant of circumcision was an outward sign which involved the shedding of blood. It was also a spiritual exercise.
Circumcision was commanded by God since the days of Abraham. When Jacob went to Egypt, his family was already part of that covenant. Circumcision was a sign and a seal of the covenant relationship with God. It is similar to baptism in the Christian church today. Baptism is an acknowledgement of regeneration that has taken place in the heart, and also an admission to the family of God.
THOUGHT: The time will surely come when God’s purposes will be accomplished.
PRAYER: Father, may I always discern Thy will and obey Thy commands.