This verse reveals God’s continued call to spiritual renewal and trust in His covenant faithfulness.
At that time the LORD said to Joshua, “Make for yourself flint knives and circumcise again the sons of Israel the second time.” (v.2)
In this verse, God speaks directly to Joshua (who likely lived around the late fifteenth or early fourteenth century BC) to reinstate the covenantal practice of circumcision among the Israelites. The phrase “Make for yourself flint knives” underscores a return to the ancient method dating back to Abraham (Genesis 17), reflecting the seriousness of this ritual that sets God’s people apart. Joshua had just led the nation across the Jordan River—an event that demonstrated the LORD’s power and fidelity to His promises—and now, before proceeding against their enemies, they needed to renew the covenant sign that had lapsed during the wilderness wanderings. Although the previous generation died off before reaching the Promised Land (Numbers 14:29-35), this new generation had not received the physical mark of the covenant, making this moment both a spiritual and a communal recommitment.
“Circumcise again the sons of Israel the second time” indicates that Joshua was to perform what the earlier generation had not. This action prepared the people to be fully consecrated to the LORD in the land He had promised them. Their obedience demonstrated trust: the men would be vulnerable for several days while they healed, evidencing reliance on God’s protection. Circumcision symbolized inclusion in God’s covenant—a covenant affirmed repeatedly throughout Israel’s history (Exodus 19:5-6). Just as they stepped onto Promised Land soil through God’s miraculous deliverance at the Jordan River, they now took on the outward sign of inward devotion that connected them back to Abraham. This links forward to the message of Christ in the New Testament, who transforms hearts through faith (Galatians 5:6), fulfilling the greater purpose behind the sign.
Joshua’s leadership in obeying God’s directive here parallels the courage God had commanded him to exercise from the very beginning (Joshua 1:7-9). He not only guided Israel militarily but also guided them spiritually, ensuring they followed God’s plan. Soon after this act in Joshua 5, the LORD would appear as the Captain of His host to assure victory over Jericho and the rest of Canaan. This meeting underscores that true security lies in dependence on God, carried out by the faithful practice of His commands.
Set to dark mode
Joshua 5:2 meaning
At that time the LORD said to Joshua, “Make for yourself flint knives and circumcise again the sons of Israel the second time.” (v.2)
In this verse, God speaks directly to Joshua (who likely lived around the late fifteenth or early fourteenth century BC) to reinstate the covenantal practice of circumcision among the Israelites. The phrase “Make for yourself flint knives” underscores a return to the ancient method dating back to Abraham (Genesis 17), reflecting the seriousness of this ritual that sets God’s people apart. Joshua had just led the nation across the Jordan River—an event that demonstrated the LORD’s power and fidelity to His promises—and now, before proceeding against their enemies, they needed to renew the covenant sign that had lapsed during the wilderness wanderings. Although the previous generation died off before reaching the Promised Land (Numbers 14:29-35), this new generation had not received the physical mark of the covenant, making this moment both a spiritual and a communal recommitment.
“Circumcise again the sons of Israel the second time” indicates that Joshua was to perform what the earlier generation had not. This action prepared the people to be fully consecrated to the LORD in the land He had promised them. Their obedience demonstrated trust: the men would be vulnerable for several days while they healed, evidencing reliance on God’s protection. Circumcision symbolized inclusion in God’s covenant—a covenant affirmed repeatedly throughout Israel’s history (Exodus 19:5-6). Just as they stepped onto Promised Land soil through God’s miraculous deliverance at the Jordan River, they now took on the outward sign of inward devotion that connected them back to Abraham. This links forward to the message of Christ in the New Testament, who transforms hearts through faith (Galatians 5:6), fulfilling the greater purpose behind the sign.
Joshua’s leadership in obeying God’s directive here parallels the courage God had commanded him to exercise from the very beginning (Joshua 1:7-9). He not only guided Israel militarily but also guided them spiritually, ensuring they followed God’s plan. Soon after this act in Joshua 5, the LORD would appear as the Captain of His host to assure victory over Jericho and the rest of Canaan. This meeting underscores that true security lies in dependence on God, carried out by the faithful practice of His commands.