Bible Study - Renewing the Covenant

Joshua 5:1–12 KJV 1900

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. 2 At that time the Lord said unto Joshua, Make thee sharp knives, and circumcise again the children of Israel the second time. 3 And Joshua made him sharp knives, and circumcised the children of Israel at the hill of the foreskins. 4 And this is the cause why Joshua did circumcise: All the people that came out of Egypt, that were males, even all the men of war, died in the wilderness by the way, after they came out of Egypt. 5 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. 6 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. 7 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. 8 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. 9 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. 10 And the children of Israel encamped in Gilgal, and kept the passover on the fourteenth day of the month at even in the plains of Jericho. 11 And they did eat of the old corn of the land on the morrow after the passover, unleavened cakes, and parched corn in the selfsame day. 12 And the manna ceased on the morrow after they had eaten of the old corn of the land; neither had the children of Israel manna any more; but they did eat of the fruit of the land of Canaan that year.

Abstract: “Renewing the Covenant” from Joshua 5:1-12

In Joshua 5:1-12, the renewal of God’s covenant with His people takes center stage as Israel prepares to enter the Promised Land. First, the Israelites must report God's power (Joshua 5:1) as a testimony of His work on their behalf. Second, they must remember God's promise (Joshua 5:2-11), reflecting on the covenant established with their forefathers and reaffirmed through the act of circumcision and Passover observance. Finally, they are called to receive God’s provision (Joshua 5:12), symbolized by the manna ceasing and the provision of produce from the land. This passage emphasizes the importance of covenant renewal, a reminder of God's faithfulness, and the anticipation of His ongoing provision. Cross-references include Exodus 12:43-49, Leviticus 23:4-8, Deuteronomy 11:8-9, and 1 Corinthians 11:23-26.

Introduction: “Renewing the Covenant” from Joshua 5:1-12

In Joshua 5:1-12, Israel is at a critical juncture. Having crossed the Jordan River, the people are poised to take possession of the Promised Land. However, before they move forward into the blessings God has prepared for them, they must first renew their covenant relationship with Him. This renewal process is not just a ritual but an essential act of faith that recognizes God's power, remembers His promises, and receives His provision. The Israelites' journey into Canaan is marked by these covenantal acts, which serve as reminders of God's faithfulness and His ongoing work in their lives.

The act of renewing the covenant is deeply tied to the idea of spiritual preparation. Before taking possession of the land, Israel must pause and reflect on who God is and how He has worked on their behalf. This reflection is integral to their future success. Just as Israel needed to remember God's faithfulness in their journey, believers today must also reflect on God's power, promises, and provision as they move forward in their own faith journey. Through the renewal of the covenant, the Israelites are reminded of their identity as God's chosen people, who are called to live in obedience to His word.

In the New Testament, the concept of covenant renewal is seen in the life of the believer, particularly through the sacrament of the Lord's Supper, where Christians remember Christ’s death and reaffirm their covenant with Him. Just as Israel was called to remember God's promises and receive His provision, believers today are called to the same act of remembrance and faithfulness. The Israelites' experience in Joshua 5 offers profound lessons for Christians as they seek to walk in obedience and faith, trusting in the God who has delivered and will continue to provide for His people.

Section 1: Report God’s Power (Joshua 5:1)

Lesson: Reporting God’s Power

In Joshua 5:1, we see the nations around Israel filled with fear and trembling as they hear about the great things God has done for His people. This verse is a powerful reminder of the testimony that believers are called to share about the mighty acts of God. Just as Israel reported the miraculous crossing of the Jordan River (Joshua 3), the defeat of the Egyptian army (Exodus 14), and God's provision in the wilderness, believers today must testify to God's power in their lives. Reporting God's power serves as an encouragement to fellow believers and a witness to a lost world of the greatness and glory of the God we serve.

God's power is demonstrated in both tangible ways, such as physical deliverance, and in spiritual ways, through the transformation of lives. Israel’s enemies knew that the God of Israel was not merely a tribal deity but the true and living God who commanded the forces of nature and history. Similarly, Christians are called to testify of God's power not only in past acts but also in the daily transformation of their lives. When we report God's power, we remind others of His sovereignty and encourage them to place their trust in Him.

The act of reporting God's power is not just for the Israelites or for Christians alone; it is a practice for the whole world to see. Our testimony of God's power can serve as a gateway for others to come to faith, as they hear of His mighty works. Just as the nations around Israel trembled before the Lord, so too should the world take notice of the mighty works of God as they are reported through the lives of His people.

Synopsis of “Reporting God’s Power”

In Joshua 5:1, we see the power of God's actions stirring fear in the hearts of Israel's enemies. The Israelites are called to report and testify to God's power in their lives. This testimony serves not only to encourage the people of God but also to declare God's greatness to the world. Just as Israel's victories were a testimony to the nations, believers today are called to report God's power through their lives and their witness. When we testify to God's power, we remind others of His greatness and invite them to experience His mighty works for themselves.

Five Truths about Reporting God’s Power (Joshua 5:1)

God's power instills fear in the hearts of His enemies. (Exodus 14:25; 1 Samuel 4:7)

Exodus 14:25 “25 And took off their chariot wheels, that they drave them heavily: so that the Egyptians said, Let us flee from the face of Israel; for the Lord fighteth for them against the Egyptians.”

Reporting God's power builds faith in God's people. (Psalm 145:4; Revelation 12:11)

Psalm 145:4 “4 One generation shall praise thy works to another, And shall declare thy mighty acts.”

Testimonies of God's power can lead to gospel conversations. (Matthew 5:16; Acts 1:8)

Matthew 5:16 “16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

God's power is greater than any human opposition. (Psalm 56:9; Romans 8:31)

Romans 8:31 “31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?”

The fear of the Lord leads to wisdom and obedience. (Proverbs 1:7; Philippians 2:10-11)

Proverbs 1:7 “7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: But fools despise wisdom and instruction.”

Section 2: Remember God’s Promise (Joshua 5:2-11)

Lesson: Remembering God’s Promise

In Joshua 5:2-11, the Israelites engage in two key acts of covenant renewal: circumcision and the celebration of the Passover. These acts are tangible reminders of the promises God made to their forefathers. Circumcision, instituted with Abraham, marked the Israelites as God's covenant people (Genesis 17:10-14). It was a sign of God’s covenant, and the act of circumcision reaffirmed the people's commitment to God and His promises. Similarly, the Passover commemorated God’s deliverance of Israel from Egypt, reminding them that God keeps His promises to redeem His people.

Remembering God’s promise is not just about recalling historical events; it is about actively engaging in covenantal practices that remind us of our identity as God's people. For the Israelites, circumcision was not only a reminder of their history but a call to live according to God's covenant. The Passover meal, a yearly ritual, also served as an act of remembrance. For Christians today, remembering God’s promises involves regularly reflecting on the sacrifice of Christ and the new covenant established through His blood.

As Israel prepares to enter the Promised Land, they must remember God’s faithfulness and trust in His promise to give them the land. Just as the Israelites looked back to God's promises, Christians today are called to remember Christ's promise to return and to live in light of that promise. The act of remembering God’s promise is essential for living a faithful and obedient life, as it gives us hope and strength in our journey of faith.

Synopsis of “Remembering God’s Promise”

In Joshua 5:2-11, Israel remembers God’s promise through the acts of circumcision and the Passover celebration. These practices serve as powerful reminders of God's faithfulness and His covenant with His people. Just as Israel was called to remember God’s promise as they entered the Promised Land, Christians today are called to remember the promises of God, particularly the promise of salvation and eternal life through Christ. By remembering God’s promise, we are strengthened in our faith and reminded of the hope we have in Him.

Five Truths about Remembering God’s Promise (Joshua 5:2-11)

God’s promises are unchanging and reliable. (2 Corinthians 1:20; Hebrews 10:23)

2 Corinthians 1:20 “20 For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.”

Remembering God's promises strengthens our faith. (Romans 15:4; Psalm 119:52)

Psalm 119:52 “52 I remembered thy judgments of old, O Lord; And have comforted myself.”

The observance of covenant practices helps us remember God's promises. (1 Corinthians 11:23-26)

1 Corinthians 11:26 “26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come.”

God’s promises are fulfilled in His timing. (Ecclesiastes 3:11; Habakkuk 2:3)

Ecclesiastes 3:11 “11 He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.”

Remembering God's promises gives us hope for the future. (Romans 5:2-5; Titus 1:2)

Titus 1:2 “2 In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;”

Section 3: Receive God’s Provision (Joshua 5:12)

Lesson: Receiving God’s Provision

In Joshua 5:12, we see a significant shift as the manna that had sustained Israel for forty years ceases, and the people begin to eat the produce of the land. This marks a new chapter in God’s provision. While the manna had been a miraculous sign of God’s care, the produce from the land represents the fulfillment of God’s promises. The Israelites are no longer wandering in the wilderness; they are now in the land God promised to give them. The cessation of manna is a reminder that God’s provision changes in different seasons but is always faithful to meet the needs of His people.

Receiving God’s provision requires faith, as it involves trusting in God's timing and His ability to supply for His people. Just as Israel had to trust that God would provide when the manna ceased, Christians today must trust that God will continue to meet their needs, whether through miraculous means or through the resources He has provided in the world. Trusting in God’s provision is an act of faith that acknowledges His sovereignty and goodness.

God’s provision is not only material but spiritual as well. Just as God provided food for Israel, He also provides spiritual nourishment through His Word, the Holy Spirit, and the fellowship of the church. By receiving God’s provision, believers are reminded of God's faithfulness and His ongoing work in their lives, and they are encouraged to continue walking in obedience and trust in His care.

Synopsis of “Receiving God’s Provision”

In Joshua 5:12, the Israelites receive the provision of the land, as the manna ceases and they begin to eat the produce of the land. This act signifies a new season of God's faithfulness, where He provides for His people in different ways. Just as God provided manna in the wilderness, He now provides for Israel through the land He promised to them. Believers today are called to trust in God’s provision, both spiritually and materially, recognizing that God is faithful to meet their needs in every season of life.

Five Truths about Receiving God’s Provision (Joshua 5:12)

God provides for His people in different seasons. (Philippians 4:19; James 1:17)

James 1:17 “17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.”

God's provision is a sign of His faithfulness. (Psalm 37:25; Lamentations 3:22-23)

Psalm 37:25 “25 I have been young, and now am old; Yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, Nor his seed begging bread.”

Receiving God's provision requires faith and trust. (Matthew 6:25-34; 2 Corinthians 9:8)

2 Corinthians 9:8 “8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:”

God provides both material and spiritual nourishment. (John 6:35; 2 Peter 1:3)

2 Peter 1:3 “3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:”

God's provision is a means of grace for His people. (Ephesians 4:7; Hebrews 4:16)

Ephesians 4:7 “7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.”

Discussion Questions:

How does reporting God’s power in our lives strengthen our faith and serve as a witness to others? Can you think of a time when sharing God's work in your life impacted someone else's faith?

In what ways can we practically remember God’s promises in our daily lives, and how does this act of remembrance help us face challenges or difficulties?

What are some areas in your life where you need to trust God’s provision more fully? How can you actively receive and rely on His provision, both spiritually and materially?