A sign of God’s promise - O se faailoga o le folafolaga a le Atua

Scripture Focus: Iosua 5:2-15

At that time, Yahweh said to Joshua, “Make flint knives, and circumcise again the children of Israel the second time.” Joshua made himself flint knives, and circumcised the children of Israel at the hill of the foreskins. This is the reason Joshua circumcised: all the people who came out of Egypt, who were males, even all the men of war, died in the wilderness by the way, after they came out of Egypt. For all the people who came out were circumcised; but all the people who were born in the wilderness by the way as they came out of Egypt had not been circumcised. For the children of Israel walked forty years in the wilderness, until all the nation, even the men of war who came out of Egypt, were consumed, because they didn’t listen to the voice of Yahweh. Yahweh swore to them that he wouldn’t let them see the land which Yahweh swore to their fathers that he would give us, a land flowing with milk and honey. Their children, whom he raised up in their place, were circumcised by Joshua; for they were uncircumcised, because they had not circumcised them on the way. When they were done circumcising the whole nation, they stayed in their places in the camp until they were healed. Yahweh said to Joshua, “Today I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from off you.” Therefore the name of that place was called Gilgal, to this day. The children of Israel encamped in Gilgal. They kept the Passover on the fourteenth day of the month at evening in the plains of Jericho. They ate unleavened cakes and parched grain of the produce of the land on the next day after the Passover, in the same day. The manna ceased on the next day, after they had eaten of the produce of the land. The children of Israel didn’t have manna any more; but they ate of the fruit of the land of Canaan that year. When Joshua was by Jericho, he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, a man stood in front of him with his sword drawn in his hand. Joshua went to him, and said to him, “Are you for us, or for our adversaries?” He said, “No; but I have come now as commander of Yahweh’s army.” Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and worshiped, and said to him, “What does my lord say to his servant?” The prince of Yahweh’s army said to Joshua, “Take your shoes off of your feet; for the place on which you stand is holy.” Joshua did so.
- Joshua 5:2-15 (WEB)

Study:

This passage marks a significant moment for the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. Joshua is commanded by God to circumcise the new generation of Israelites born during their wilderness journey. This act symbolizes a renewal of the covenant between God and His people and a spiritual preparation for the task ahead. The event at Gilgal wipes away the "reproach of Egypt," signifying a fresh start free from past bondage and failures. It also highlights the transition from dependence on manna to enjoying the fruitfulness of the land God has promised. The appearance of the commander of the Lord’s army reminds Joshua that God is present and actively leading His people into battle, and that the land itself is holy ground.

Application:

Just as Joshua and the Israelites entered the Promised Land renewed and prepared, we too must continually renew our commitment to God’s covenant through repentance and obedience. The circumcision of the heart is vital for us today, representing our need to remove anything that separates us from God. Recognizing God’s presence as our leader gives us confidence to face challenges and walk in His promises. We can trust that God removes shame and past failures from our lives and leads us into a new season of blessing. Like the Israelites, it is important to celebrate God’s provision and to step into the new opportunities He opens before us with reverence and faith.

Reflection Questions:

• What areas of my life need spiritual renewal or recommitment to God?
• How does knowing God removes my past shame affect my relationship with Him?
• In what ways can I recognize and respond to God's presence in my daily life?
• What promises of God am I trusting as I face current challenges?

Prayer:

Lord, thank You for Your faithfulness and the promises You have made. Help me to follow You with a pure heart, free from past burdens. Teach me to recognize Your presence every day and to trust Your guidance as I step forward in faith. Renew my spirit and make me strong to face what lies ahead. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Tags: Joshua study, God's promises, spiritual renewal, biblical circumcision, Gilgal, Promised Land, faith and obedience, Bible reflection, daily devotion, Christian growth