But he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter; - Romans 2:29a
Hello again! This morning’s message is the 4th sermon of our current series called “The Conquering and Independent Church”. Today we will be in Joshua chapter 5. I have titled this message “Camped at Gilgal”. When we stopped last Sunday the Israelites had just crossed the Jordan River into Canaan. They had set up camp just a few miles from Jericho and erected the memorial stones they’d taken from the river bed. Let’s see what happened next…
I. THE ENEMIES’ REACTION (Joshua 5:1)
When the Amorites who dwelt west of the Jordan River and the Caananites who lived east of the Mediterranean Sea heard how God had cut off its waters and allowed Israel to pass over it on dry ground, they were terrified. Their courage to stand against the children of God completely melted away. They recognized that the LORD of Israel was mightier than their pagan gods.
The conquest and settlement of the Promised Land accomplished 2 purposes. First, God gave this land to the descendants of Abraham, Issac, and Jacob as an eternal possession where they could live as a distinct people group. From there, they would serve as God’s representative people on the earth and make His name known to all the nations. Second, God took this land from the Canaanites as punishment for their centuries of idolatry and wickedness. God used Israel as the instrument of His judgment.
II. ISRAEL IS CIRCUMCISED (Joshua 5:2-9)
While at Gilgal, the day after they had crossed the Jordan, the LORD instructed Joshua to have all of the sons of Israel circumcised. Therefore, Joshua made several flint knives and went about circumcising all of the men. Based upon the numbers, it seems only logical that Joshua enlisted helpers to accomplish this major task. He referred to the place Gibeath-Haaraloth, which means “The Hill of Foreskins”. This undertaking was necessary because the practice of circumcision had been neglected during the 40 years of wilderness wanderings. Thus, this new generation of Israelites who had been born during the exodus were all uncircumcised.
After the circumcisions were complete, the Israelites remained at their camp for a few days to recover. The LORD spoke to Joshua saying, “Today I have rolled the shame of Egypt away from you.” Now circumcised, the children of Israel were set apart from the Egyptians once and for all. In recognition of this, Joshua officially named the site Gilgal which means “rolling” or “rolling away”.
Circumcision was the sign of the Abrahamic Covenant (Genesis 17:10-14). It was a physical mark that identified the children of Israel as God’s covenantal people. Beginning with Abraham and his sons, all Hebrew boys were to be circumcised when they were 8 days old. In addition, any male slaves that were acquired by the Israelites were to be circumcized as well. According to the law of Moses, only those who were circumcised could participate in the Passover celebration (Exodus 12:48-49).
III. ISRAEL CELEBRATES PASSOVER (Joshua 5:10-12)
The Israelities crossed the Jordan River on the 10th day of Nissan, the first month of the year. The males were circumcised the next day on the 11th and then took a few more days to recuperate. Then, on the evening of the 14th day of Nissan, while still camped at Gilgal on the desert plains near Jericho, they observed the Passover (Exodus 12:18). Their circumcision had been a prerequisite for participating in the Passover celebration. This was likely the first Passover to be held by the Hebrews since their encampment at Mt. Sinai 40 years earlier.
On the day following the Passover, when the Feast of Unleavened Bread began, the children of Jacob ate produce from the land. They prepared unleavened cakes and roasted bread. I am sure this was a welcomed and long anticipated occasion. The manna that had sustained them throughout 4 decades of sojourning in the desert ceased and Israel began feeding themselves with the yield of the land. This cessation speaks to the bountiful fruitfulness of Canaan in contrast to the dry barrenness of the surrounding wilderness.
Earlier in this series we spoke about the meaning and significance of the Passover while discussing Rahab the prostitute and the scarlet cord that she hung from her window. This morning I want us to consider the timing of this particular Passover celebration. God commanded Israel to observe the Passover immediately prior to launching their invasion. It was held on the eve of battle. This was yet another example of how God taught His people to put Him first. The battle belongs to the LORD (Proverbs 21:31). If we are to be victorious in this life, the LORD must have priority over all else.
IV. JOSHUA’S ENCOUNTER (Joshua 5:13-15)
Later on, when Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing opposite of him with a sword drawn. Joshua approached the man and asked, “Are you for us or for our enemies?” The man answered that he had come as the captain of the army of the LORD. Hearing this, Joshua fell on his face in reverence before the man. The captain of the LORD’s army told Joshua to remove his sandals, for he was standing on holy ground. Joshua obeyed.
Theologians are split regarding the identity of this man who met with Joshua. Some believe that he was an angel sent by God while others believe that he was God himself in human form - a preincarnate appearance of Jesus Christ. There are various arguments supporting both views. I tend to think it was Jesus. Either way, whether in person or through His messenger, God conversed with Joshua and laid out His battle plan for attacking Jericho. We will read more about this plan next week.
Joshua was an experienced and highly successful military leader. Just a few days earlier he had sent scouts into Jericho to do reconnaissance. Based on their reports, I am reasonably certain that he had already developed or at least was in the process of developing a strategy for the upcoming siege. It is hard to believe that a person of his character wasn’t thinking about it. Furthermore, I trust that he’d devised a good plan. Nevertheless, when the LORD appeared everything suddenly changed. Joshua’s plan took the back seat and God’s plan took precedent. Sometimes in life the LORD intervenes and alters our plans. Has that ever happened to you? In these moments, it is best to follow His lead.
CONCLUSION
In the last few chapters, we’ve seen a repeated theme. Take a moment to consider and reflect on these 3 things:
The Ark of the Covenant went before the people into the Jordan River.
The people were circumcised and celebrated the Passover before beginning the conquest.
Joshua received and would prioritize God’s battle plans over his own.
So what is the message? Put God first. Allow Him to lead. Revere Him above all others. Never go into battle without first seeking His face. Make His plan the priority for your life. I am not saying that your way is bad, but His is always better. Trust me, I’ve learned this from personal experience. I urge you, make Jesus the Lord and King of your life.
Next week, the combat begins. We will be talking about the epic battle of Jericho. I am so excited! I have always been a fan of war stories. Until then, may we remember to put the Lord first in everything.
Hello again! This morning’s message is the 4th sermon of our current series called “The Conquering and Independent Church”. Today we will be in Joshua chapter 5. I have titled this message “Camped at Gilgal”. When we stopped last Sunday the Israelites had just crossed the Jordan River into Canaan. They had set up camp just a few miles from Jericho and erected the memorial stones they’d taken from the river bed. Let’s see what happened next…
I. THE ENEMIES’ REACTION (Joshua 5:1)
When the Amorites who dwelt west of the Jordan River and the Caananites who lived east of the Mediterranean Sea heard how God had cut off its waters and allowed Israel to pass over it on dry ground, they were terrified. Their courage to stand against the children of God completely melted away. They recognized that the LORD of Israel was mightier than their pagan gods.
The conquest and settlement of the Promised Land accomplished 2 purposes. First, God gave this land to the descendants of Abraham, Issac, and Jacob as an eternal possession where they could live as a distinct people group. From there, they would serve as God’s representative people on the earth and make His name known to all the nations. Second, God took this land from the Canaanites as punishment for their centuries of idolatry and wickedness. God used Israel as the instrument of His judgment.
II. ISRAEL IS CIRCUMCISED (Joshua 5:2-9)
While at Gilgal, the day after they had crossed the Jordan, the LORD instructed Joshua to have all of the sons of Israel circumcised. Therefore, Joshua made several flint knives and went about circumcising all of the men. Based upon the numbers, it seems only logical that Joshua enlisted helpers to accomplish this major task. He referred to the place Gibeath-Haaraloth, which means “The Hill of Foreskins”. This undertaking was necessary because the practice of circumcision had been neglected during the 40 years of wilderness wanderings. Thus, this new generation of Israelites who had been born during the exodus were all uncircumcised.
After the circumcisions were complete, the Israelites remained at their camp for a few days to recover. The LORD spoke to Joshua saying, “Today I have rolled the shame of Egypt away from you.” Now circumcised, the children of Israel were set apart from the Egyptians once and for all. In recognition of this, Joshua officially named the site Gilgal which means “rolling” or “rolling away”.
Circumcision was the sign of the Abrahamic Covenant (Genesis 17:10-14). It was a physical mark that identified the children of Israel as God’s covenantal people. Beginning with Abraham and his sons, all Hebrew boys were to be circumcised when they were 8 days old. In addition, any male slaves that were acquired by the Israelites were to be circumcized as well. According to the law of Moses, only those who were circumcised could participate in the Passover celebration (Exodus 12:48-49).
III. ISRAEL CELEBRATES PASSOVER (Joshua 5:10-12)
The Israelities crossed the Jordan River on the 10th day of Nissan, the first month of the year. The males were circumcised the next day on the 11th and then took a few more days to recuperate. Then, on the evening of the 14th day of Nissan, while still camped at Gilgal on the desert plains near Jericho, they observed the Passover (Exodus 12:18). Their circumcision had been a prerequisite for participating in the Passover celebration. This was likely the first Passover to be held by the Hebrews since their encampment at Mt. Sinai 40 years earlier.
On the day following the Passover, when the Feast of Unleavened Bread began, the children of Jacob ate produce from the land. They prepared unleavened cakes and roasted bread. I am sure this was a welcomed and long anticipated occasion. The manna that had sustained them throughout 4 decades of sojourning in the desert ceased and Israel began feeding themselves with the yield of the land. This cessation speaks to the bountiful fruitfulness of Canaan in contrast to the dry barrenness of the surrounding wilderness.
Earlier in this series we spoke about the meaning and significance of the Passover while discussing Rahab the prostitute and the scarlet cord that she hung from her window. This morning I want us to consider the timing of this particular Passover celebration. God commanded Israel to observe the Passover immediately prior to launching their invasion. It was held on the eve of battle. This was yet another example of how God taught His people to put Him first. The battle belongs to the LORD (Proverbs 21:31). If we are to be victorious in this life, the LORD must have priority over all else.
IV. JOSHUA’S ENCOUNTER (Joshua 5:13-15)
Later on, when Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing opposite of him with a sword drawn. Joshua approached the man and asked, “Are you for us or for our enemies?” The man answered that he had come as the captain of the army of the LORD. Hearing this, Joshua fell on his face in reverence before the man. The captain of the LORD’s army told Joshua to remove his sandals, for he was standing on holy ground. Joshua obeyed.
Theologians are split regarding the identity of this man who met with Joshua. Some believe that he was an angel sent by God while others believe that he was God himself in human form - a preincarnate appearance of Jesus Christ. There are various arguments supporting both views. I tend to think it was Jesus. Either way, whether in person or through His messenger, God conversed with Joshua and laid out His battle plan for attacking Jericho. We will read more about this plan next week.
Joshua was an experienced and highly successful military leader. Just a few days earlier he had sent scouts into Jericho to do reconnaissance. Based on their reports, I am reasonably certain that he had already developed or at least was in the process of developing a strategy for the upcoming siege. It is hard to believe that a person of his character wasn’t thinking about it. Furthermore, I trust that he’d devised a good plan. Nevertheless, when the LORD appeared everything suddenly changed. Joshua’s plan took the back seat and God’s plan took precedent. Sometimes in life the LORD intervenes and alters our plans. Has that ever happened to you? In these moments, it is best to follow His lead.
CONCLUSION
In the last few chapters, we’ve seen a repeated theme. Take a moment to consider and reflect on these 3 things:
The Ark of the Covenant went before the people into the Jordan River.
The people were circumcised and celebrated the Passover before beginning the conquest.
Joshua received and would prioritize God’s battle plans over his own.
So what is the message? Put God first. Allow Him to lead. Revere Him above all others. Never go into battle without first seeking His face. Make His plan the priority for your life. I am not saying that your way is bad, but His is always better. Trust me, I’ve learned this from personal experience. I urge you, make Jesus the Lord and King of your life.
Next week, the combat begins. We will be talking about the epic battle of Jericho. I am so excited! I have always been a fan of war stories. Until then, may we remember to put the Lord first in everything.