Preparing for Victory

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Renewal

This chapter records four experiences which God brought to Joshua and the people. Israel was not prepared to enter battle with the Canaanites until their hearts were renewed with Him.

 

1.     The renewal of circumcision (verses 2-9). The men of Israel, who had been circumcised in Egypt had all died in the wilderness. The sons born during the wilderness wanderings were not circum­cised. Circumcision was rooted in the Abrahamic covenant and promised among other things Israel’s possession of the land. The restora­tion of Israel to their covenant relationship was necessary and so Joshua, at God’s command, had all the men circumcised.

2.     The renewal of the Passover (v. 10). Israel’s first Passover was observed in Egypt. Now as the people reached Canaan and remembered from history how God delivered their forefathers out of Egypt, they could also anticipate deliverance.

3.     The renewal of diet (vv. 11-12). Manna had been the daily food which God supernaturally provided during the wilderness wanderings but ceased when they passed over the Jordan. Now they could begin to enjoy the fruits of the land.

4.     The renewal of relationship (v. 13). At a critical moment Joshua saw a man holding a drawn sword. He said, “Are you for us, or for our adversaries?” The man identified himself as the prince of Jehovah’s host, suggesting that he came with a message from God.

Application

We show respect for God by attitude and action. My actions must model my attitudes before others. It is very important that my Spiritual life is renewed with the Lord daily as I am in His Word and sharing it with others.

Joshua 5:1-15 (English Standard Version)


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