YT 15 Joshua Part 10 Chapter 5:1-9; Genesis 17

The Book of Joshua

Chapter 5
Circumcision
Recap:

The tribes of Israel are on Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal. The tribes on each
mount are not doing the blessings and the cursings themselves ~ it is a figure. The
figure of the blessing and the cursing, on Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal, is seen in
Deuteronomy 27 in their names and the order of the mounts. The Levites in the valley
are the ones pronouncing the blessings and the cursings because it is a picture. The
picture is: In the kingdom reign the government of God is going to be a kingdom of
priests. What is seen in the blessing and cursing is what the Son of the Covenant took
upon Himself, the offering of Eternal Life, the kingdom established.

Joshua 5:1:

“And it came to pass, when all the kings of the Amorites, which were on the side
of Jordan westward, and all the kings of the Canaanites, which were by the sea, heard
that the LORD had dried up the waters of Jordan from before the children of Israel, until
we were passed over, that their heart melted, neither was there spirit in them any more,
because of the children of Israel.”

Verse one provides the exact location of the “ite” kings in relation to the sons of
Israel for the specific reason of the glory of the LORD. The Amorites are westward
towards Jericho and Ai; and the Canaanites by the sea southward.

Israel is encamped at the bridgehead ~ Gilgal (not called Gilgal until circumcision
for a reason), in the east border of Jericho. The bridgehead was a strategy of position ~
the ideal tactical location for the preparation of the battles to come.

As Israel’s position places them on the offensive and the “ite” nations in the
defensive position. Israel has the more dangerous position as it involves taking control.
Defending territory is the easier of the two positions. Israel has a river behind them, they
have nowhere to go but forward. Retreat is not an option ~ they must go forward.

Considering that the Amorites and Canaanites have the “advantage” militarily
speaking ~ you’d think that they might feel superior to the nation instead of being scared
witless.

And yet ~ when “all the kings heard that the LORD had dried up the waters” ~
they recognized the battle as not Israel’s but the LORD’S. Exodus 15:3 “The LORD is a
man of war: the LORD is His name.”

Men today attribute defeat and victory on the basis of their army ~ not so in Old
Testament times. Victory and defeat was on the basis of that nation’s god. The “ite”
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YT 15 Joshua Part 10 Chapter 5:1-9; Genesis 17

nations are scared witless because of Israel’s God. Thus, their hearts melted and their
fighting spirit was gone.

Once again what comes to the forefront in this military record of the book of
Joshua is the wisdom of God in His strategy. Let’s review the apparent obstacles in
Israel’s path:

1. The banks are overflowing the Jordan at harvest time so God’s plan is to
cross right across from Jericho because the LORD is going to do “wonders”.

2. After Israel crosses over they are exposed to the enemy: they can’t retreat;
they have crossed over. Exposed to the enemy Israel is going to take time to
set up the 12 stones. The 12 stones are a sign to the nations that Israel is in
the land; and as a memorial for the people of God in Gilgal ~ the Land is
Israel’s by promise of the LORD.

Thus, first Israel has the wonders of Jehovah parting the waters, then Israel
has the promise of Jehovah: This is Israel’s land. Next…

3. Israel goes up to Mount Ebal to erect the Law and “offer” the way of salvation
of the LORD of all the earth on large stones. They plaster the whole thing for
all to see: here is the law of the LORD, this is Israel’s land by promise (God’s
land); here is the way of salvation for all to see.

Then Israel builds an altar ~ the smoke from the offerings rise up to God, a
sweet smelling savor as a sign of worship to the LORD. On the altar, Israel
offers burnt offerings and peace offerings to the LORD of all the earth. Also
Israel continues to eat the manna that He has supplied for 40 years. And
Israel rejoices in His marvelous provision ~ all that God supplied for them,
unlike the previous generation that “loathed this light bread” (Numbers 21:5).

4. Then Israel divides their resources on separate mounts providing further

opportunity for the “ite” nations to attack; but in reality, proving the power of
the LORD.

God’s strategy ~ His master plan ~ His grand design (to have man in His image,
after His likeness, a kingdom of sons of God) is multidimensional. Which is why it works.
He is never in a hurry. To the natural way of thinking God’s plan often humanly
speaking seems unwise and even backwards.

But God sees beyond the present linear circumstance to the end of things ~ as
is evidenced in the Eternal Covenant declared in the luminaries. God’s strategy
proclaims ~ you cannot defeat Me; yield and be loved.

The LORD is training this new generation Israel ~ teaching, guiding and
instructing them in His multidimensional ways. They need to have understanding of the
unseen things (Hebrews 11:1). They need to see beyond the present to the end of

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those hoped for things, the establishment of the kingdom. And they are learning to live
“by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the LORD” (Deuteronomy 8:3b).

It is in the understanding ~ the very spirit of their being that the perception of
God’s ways ~ the true intimacy of fellowship is realized. Perception is in the eyes of the
beholder. With their eyes fixed on Him they have His insight.

Remember the works of God are objective ~ the nations see His works ~ they
are mighty and they are afraid. Israel is learning His ways ~ which are subjective ~
much more personal than His works.

How is it that Israel should “love the LORD their God with all their heart, and with
all their soul, and with all their might” “that they may obey His voice, and cleave to Him
who is their life…” if they don’t know Him? (Deuteronomy 6:5; 30:20). They must learn
His ways, that they might know Him. They will discover that the impossible is practical
with God.

It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God (Hebrews 10:31). Thus,
for the petrified “ite” nations they were basically “fossilized” in their hardened hearts and
unwilling to submit to Love’s wooing ~ so they did nothing.

Joshua 5:2-3:

“At that time the LORD said unto Joshua, Make thee sharp knives, and
circumcise again the children of Israel the second time. And Joshua made him sharp
knives, and circumcised the children of Israel at the hill of the foreskins.”

Again, if one is to reason from one’s own perception one would think ~ ok, the
hearts of the kings were melted and there was no fighting spirit in them anymore. But
that could change, right?

What if those “ite” nations figure out that the men of Israel weren’t whole? What
about that? Maybe circumcision at this time isn’t such a good idea.

This is where faith comes in. When you consider all the other acts of obedience
thus far, Israel could still have defended themselves, but by adding circumcision into the
mix; and the men are out of commission for a time ~ further complicates things.

Israel is already in the more dangerous position to begin with ~ they are on the
offensive. Circumcision is going to expose Israel in a manner that is less than desirable.
Why compromise themselves? They wouldn’t.

Assured that the battle is the LORD’S and assured of His protection of them,
Israel proceeds in their obedience. God is for them. He would never ask them to do
something that would harm them. So, by faith they cut off the flesh of the foreskin.

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Contrasting Subjects

In the portion of the text Joshua 5:4-9: there are two sets of contrasting subjects. First is
the subject of the reason of the 2nd circumcision done in Joshua’s day set in contrast
to the 1st circumcision done in Abraham’s day.

And also, there is the subject of Egypt and the wilderness as it pertains to
circumcision set in contrast to the Promised Land with its milk and honey.

Joshua 5:4-9:

“Now all the people that came out were circumcised: but all the people that were
born in the wilderness by the way as they came forth out of Egypt, them they had not
circumcised. For the children of Israel walked forty years in the wilderness, till all the
people that were men of war, which came out of Egypt, were consumed, because they
obeyed not the voice of the LORD: unto whom the LORD sware that He would not shew
them the land, which the LORD sware unto their fathers that He would give us, a land
that floweth with milk and honey.”

“And their children, whom He raised up in their stead, them Joshua circumcised:
for they were uncircumcised, because they had not circumcised them by the way. And it
came to pass, when they had done circumcising all the people that they abode in their
places in the camp, till they were whole. And the LORD said unto Joshua, This day
have I rolled away the reproach of Egypt from off you. Wherefore the name of the place
is called Gilgal unto this day.”

First, let’s consider Egypt and the wilderness and the resulting effect for the
nation.

Egypt and the Wilderness

In the figurative language Egypt is figuratively a pictorial of the world ~ with its
lusts.

All that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and pride of life is
not of the Father (1John 2:16). Those things of the world are temporary ~ the world
passes away and the lust thereof.

The wilderness, by the way, is an uncultivated, uninhabited, and inhospitable

region. It is commonly known as ~ “a no man’s land.” Meaning that men are not meant
to live their lives in that place.

The literal provides a visual of a figurative pictorial. The wilderness wasteland of

the world and those who attempt to live their lives there, live in waste and want until
they are consumed in death without the hope of eternal life.

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The Land of Promised

The Land of Promise ~ purchased by the Covenant Son with the shed blood of
the “take Me” covenant offering (Genesis 15) will be given as an inheritance for an
everlasting possession of the Covenant Son to the nation.

This everlasting possession will be received of the nation as a betrothal gift on

the day of their wedding to their King ~ the Covenant Son (Genesis 15; 17:8).

Israel has His word ~ Numbers 23:19 “God is not a man that He should lie; nor
the Son of man, that He should repent: has He said, and shall He not do it? or Has He
spoken, and shall He not make it good?” The Covenant is God’s, made with Himself
and He will see to it!

The Figure of Milk

Land of Promise ~ flows ~ it gushes with a never-ending supply of milk and

honey. Figuratively milk speaks of the blessings of the LORD.

Milk was a major part of the diet of Israel and was sometimes served with wine
as a special treat ~ figuratively the milk and the wine represent strength for health and
joy for the spirit.

The Figure of Honey

Honey is used figuratively for the richness and fertility of the land. It was a
valuable trade article and was likened to the sweetness of God’s law. It is often used as
a metaphor for love.

Thus, with Egypt remaining in the heart of the fathers ~ the lust of the flesh, the
lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, there was no circumcision. Circumcision is the sign
of the covenant. The first generation wasn’t interested in God being their God ~ they just
wanted the land. But the land comes with a condition ~ God. The land belongs to God ~
it is His inheritance; and it is His to give.

Content to wander in the wasteland of the wilderness they lived their lives in
waste and want in unbelief (whining and complaining saying “we loathe this light bread”)
until that generation was consumed. All died having never entered into the land flowing
with milk and honey because they obeyed not the voice of the LORD.

Circumcision

The LORD raised up, in the stead of that rebellious generation, their children;
and from the text of Joshua, it is understood that the reader has understanding of the
covenant of circumcision.

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Circumcision, as with the months mentioned within scripture, would mean little to
Gentiles with a western mindset.

Why circumcise the foreskin? How does circumcision relate to the Promised
Land? Who needs to be circumcised? Is circumcision necessary to the participating of
Passover? What is the figurative message of circumcision? These truths would be
handed down to each generation.

First Time Circumcision ~ Sign of the Covenant

The first-time circumcision was performed was in Abraham’s day; and connected
to seed ~ for sons and the land promised.

In the Scriptures, the land of promise, seed for sons, and circumcision are all
intertwined. However, before there is seed given to Abram to inherit the land, the land is
purchased and given in trust of the Covenant Son.

As are the ways of God He sees beyond the present to the end of things. That
night under the stars the LORD of the Covenant was looking to the end (Genesis 15:5).

Once you have seed ~ where can you disperse them without land to put them
on? Thus, in time ~ first is the purchase of the land ~ a token to Abraham of the promise
of seed, and then the Seed is given.

All is done of God. The land and the seed given and the deliverance out of the
bondage of the world are by Divine provision ~ all is on the basis of the Seed of God ~
the Covenant Son as declared in the revelation of the Eternal Covenant with its
figurative message of the stars with their signs. All is connected to the shedding of
blood.

Blood an Important Attribute of the Covenant

Blood ~ is an important attribute of the Eternal Covenant. It is in the shedding of

blood ~ the life of the body of the Coming Seed that is the necessary component for
the resurrection of Eternal life.

The land promised was purchased by a blood covenant and given as a token of
the promise of seed to Abram.

The covenant of circumcision is also a blood covenant ~ a sign of the Covenant.

Likewise, is the LORD’s Passover ~ the celebratory feast of deliverance was by the
shedding of blood. The LORD said, “When I see the blood, I will pass over you” (Exodus
12:13).

Hence due to the figurative pictorial ~ blood as the life of the flesh ~ the shedding
of blood is figured over and over in the Eternal Covenant, the Law and the ceremonial
offerings.

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Historical Background of Circumcision

Genesis 15,16 and 17 form a trilogy of the revelation of the Eternal Covenant
declared in the heavenly luminaries as established on earth through one man ~
Abraham.

At ninety-nine years old, God changed Abram’s name ~ “father is exalted”; to

Abraham ~ “father of a great multitude” and gave him the covenant of circumcision as a
sign in his flesh.

To better understand the covenant of circumcision we need to consider what

transpired between the night under the stars with its heavenly revelation “So shall thy
Seed be” to the point of the covenant of circumcision in Genesis 17.

Genesis 15

Although we are not told specifically the time line between chapter 15 and 16 of
Genesis we do know that Abram was 75 years old when he arrived in Canaan.

God having shared the gospel of the Good News in the luminaries, Abram knew
that the LORD had brought him out of the Ur of the Chaldees to give him the Land
Promised to inherit. The “Take Me” offering for the land was Abram’s promise that his
seed would inherit the land as well as the token for seed.

Genesis 16

Sarai ~ Abram’s wife was barren. She had always been barren. We are
introduced to this fact when we first meet Abram in chapter 11.

Thus, the statement from Genesis 16:1 “Abram’s wife bare him no children”
along with her statement in verse 2 ~ “Behold now, the LORD hath restrained me from
bearing” is the revelation of two key points.

First is the reminder that Sarai was barren. She had never given Abram children.
In chapter 16 she is 75 years old ~ way past the child bearing age even if she had not
been barren.

Point two is that from her own words “Behold now, the LORD has restrained me
from bearing” is the acknowledgment that she, like Abram, expected the LORD to open
her womb.

She has had the little seed germ in her thinking for years ~ since the time they
had left the Ur of the Chaldees (Genesis 11:31; 12:2). However, having dwelt 10 years
in Canaan, Abram is now 85 years old and still no child.

Sarai, tired of waiting for the LORD to give her seed, decides that perhaps the
LORD meant for her to have a surrogate, thus giving Abram her handmaid Hagar.

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Now before we judge Sarai let’s remember how hard it is to wait on the LORD.
Sometimes when we are waiting and waiting …and waiting do we not think well, maybe
He meant…?

Sarai has been waiting and waiting for something important and special ~ the
seed through whom the Heir of all things would come.

She is waiting for God to do something for His glory ~ it is not just about her
having a child.

Nonetheless the consequences of the actions of her strategy caused the birth of
Ishmael. From the womb of Hagar came Abram’s seed, Ishmael. Abram was 86 years
old when Ishmael is born.

Genesis 17

In Genesis 17 Abram is 99 years old and the LORD appeared to him and makes
an incredible announcement ~ “I am Almighty God; walk before me and be thou perfect
and I will make My Covenant between Me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly.”

And with that announcement Abram wisely fell on his face and God talked with
him in more detail. This appearance is much like the vision Abram had when the LORD
was seen to him the night of the heavenly revelation.

Holy and glorious is this encounter. God is never in a hurry and always right
early. Thirteen years have passed with Abram apparently living his life.

Now 99 years old the LORD appears to him and promises to establish His
Covenant ~ declared in the heavenly revelation as an everlasting covenant between
Himself and Abram.

God is initiating His covenant in time with the coming seed ~ Isaac. The token ~
the demonstration of the evidence of this establishing of the everlasting covenant is the
sign of circumcision.

Channel for Transmission

Genesis 17:9-14:

“And God said unto Abraham, Thou shalt keep My covenant therefore, thou, and
thy seed after thee in their generations. This is My covenant, which ye shall keep
between Me and you and thy seed after thee; Every man child among you shall be
circumcised. And ye shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin; and it shall be a token of
the covenant betwixt Me and you. And he that is eight days old shall be circumcised
among you, every man child in your generations, he that is born in the house, or bought
with money of any stranger, which is not of thy seed.”

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“He that is born in thy house, and he that is bought with thy money must needs
be circumcised: and My covenant shall be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant. And
the uncircumcised man child whose flesh of his foreskin is not circumcised, that soul
shall be cut off from his people; he hath broken My covenant.”

The male organ is the divinely created channel for the transmission of the seed
of life from one generation to another. Circumcision is the cutting around of this
channel, a surgical removal, a complete separation of the “flesh” of the foreskin. It
cannot be done without the shedding of blood.

God did not have Abraham remove the reproductive organ but separate the
“flesh” protecting the channel for the transmission of the seed. A picture that
henceforth, all fruitfulness, all transmission of the Seed, will be God’s doing.

The Eternal Covenant of the hope of Eternal life is God’s doing and man adds
nothing to it. Righteousness is by faith in the Anointed Son. This uniquely personal sign
was intended to teach Abraham and his seed a vital lesson.

God would make Abraham “fruitful” ~ his seed after him. God would protect
them and one day God would give them the land promised as an everlasting
possession (Micah 4:1-8).

The Figure of Circumcision

The sign of the circumcision ~ the cutting and a complete removal of the “flesh”
of the foreskin is figuratively a pictorial of the sentence of death in his flesh.

With that sentence of death Abraham now had acknowledged that his seed body
~ his “flesh” ~ was unable to produce the righteousness that God requires.

Righteousness is through faith alone in the Covenant Son. Now Abram was
accounted as righteous when he believed in the LORD that night under the stars.

The sign of circumcision is the living of his righteousness ~ cutting off the deeds
of the flesh. God’s Eternal Covenant is God’s. The land promised and seed promised is
the LORD’S doing.

The figurative of the pictorial is that it is the Covenant nation Israel that will
inherit the land: those born again of the spirit ~ who have cut off the deeds of the flesh.
“Not by works of righteousness which we have done but according to His mercy” (Titus
3:5a).

Abraham circumcised his son Ishmael ~ his half Egyptian son at age 13, his
household and himself the same day. Again, the figurative pictorial speaking of that
which concerned the household of Abraham ~ as a covenant people ~ no confidence in
the flesh.
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The following year Abraham would circumcise his son Isaac at 8 days. Isaac ~
the son of promise ~ the son through whom the Seed of the Woman would come.

Ishmael and Isaac were not “saved” from death by the actions of their Father but
rather carried the sentence of death in their flesh ~ a visual reminder of God’s
Covenant.

Each son must of his own freewill make a personal decision to receive the Seed
of the Eternal life ~ the gift of Righteousness.

Ishmael ‘acknowledged the sign’ of the circumcision ~ his need for Eternal life
‘personally’ at the age of 17 (see Genesis 21:17, 20).

Also presented in figure of the circumcision is the blessing of Abraham on the

Gentiles through the Covenant Son. Remember there is no nation at the time of the 1st
circumcision.

Ishmael and Isaac were both circumcised before they received the Seed of the
Eternal life so that they are not cut off. Salvation of the Seed of the Eternal life is a gift
to be received by choice.

This pictorial is more clearly understood in Paul’s letter to the Galatians ~ chapter
3. The sign of circumcision ~ figuratively speaks of the sentence of death of all flesh ~
all humanity as unable to produce the Life needed for an everlasting body of glory.

It is only through faith in God’s anointed Son of God ~ Jesus Christ, that Eternal
life for a body of glory is received. Which brings us now to the circumcision again of the
children of Israel ~ the second time (next lesson).

This concludes our lesson. If you’d like to prepare for next time please read Joshua
5:10-12, Exodus 12:1-28. The next lesson will be done in two parts due to the amount of
figurative language within the text.

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