Obedient Return

God’s faithfulness prepares the way (v.1).

Interpretation:

Joshua 4:24 ends with a promise that all nations would hear and know that “The LORD’s hand is mighty.”

Exactly what is communicated in 5:1.

Again, in narrative, it’s hard for us to read these stories with the same “shock and awe” that would mark the first hearing of an unfamiliar individual, but for a moment, forget you know the rest of the story. This account is very similar to Rahab. So, we’re left to wonder, will their response be the same?

The narrative then leaves the question hanging — we don’t get an answer. Instead, the aside about circumcision interrupts the story, so it must be important!

Application:

This passage should remind us that what God promises, He intends to make good on. For us, we should believe God’s word, every bit of it, trust it, and build our life upon it. I’m reminded of the wise person at the end of the Sermon on the Mount...

Faithful obedience marks His people (vv.2-9).

Each generation must respond in faith (v.2).

Circumcision was THE covenant marker for Israelites.

This may seem a bit crude, but it could be thought of almost as God’s “brand.” Traveling through ranch country in TX…saw a lot of Ranch Brands.

God is serious about covenant faithfulness. It makes me think, what are markers for covenant faithfulness in the NT church?

A commitment to follow Jesus and obey His commands (genuine faith).

Certainly baptism.

A commitment to a local body of believers — fellowship.

Worship, private and corporate.

The new generation must be a faithful covenant community, which brings us to the next truth:

Generational “evangelism” must be practiced (vv.3-7).

Interpretation:

All of the men had to be circumcised, again a sign of covenant commitment. And, none of the current generation had been circumcised.

Before they move forward, circumcision had to take place. It was so important that even the “aliens” in Israel had to be circumcised before they could participate in the Passover (Ex.12:44, 48).

The practice echoes back all the way to Abraham as God changed his name and proclaimed him the father of many nations (Gen.17:1-14).

It’s important to note that both of those two passages, one was a command given to Abraham, the other a command written for Israel during their time of wandering, and the previous generation would have known what God expected. Further, God explicitly commanded it in Lev.12:3 of all males at eight days old. Simply put, it’s yet another reminder of the failure of the wilderness generation.

In case the point has been missed, Josh.5:6 says in plain text, “they did not obey the LORD,” not even in the most basic of covenant commands.

Let’s pause and consider the implications:

Application:

Covenant faithfulness requires obedience. There’s no way around this. The life of faith is a a life of obedient surrender. Jesus says it like this: “If you love me, keep my commands.”

Second, God calls us to practice generational evangelism — passing the faith down from one generation to the next.

It starts in the home, parents answering the call to preach the gospel to their children.

It is undergirded by the church.

When repentance occurs, God restores (vv.8-9).

What we get here is a picture of repentance — Israel was headed down one path, the error of their way was revealed, they left the previous way and embraced the true way.

When this happens, God restores Israel and removes the “disgrace of Egypt” from them. Now, there’s not complete concensus on what the disgrace of Egypt is, but what we need to know is that God has now fully restored His people! Repentance leads to restoration!

Since God is in the business of restoration, we must:

First be a repenting people — 1 John 1:9.

Second, we are given the ministry of reconciliation, so we must plead, “be reconciled to God.” (2 Cor. 5:16-21).

God sustains those who are His (vv.10-12).

A final covenant celebration occurs.

Now in right standing with God, preparing to enter the Promised Land, Israel celebrates the Passover.

Note when they celebrate it — on the 14th day, so they are obedient in the timing of the Passover celebration, a reminder of God’s sovereignty over everything that has happened. It’s no coincidence!

And finally, the full restoration is realized. What an interesting note — God has sustained Israel on manna all this time, but what does verse 12 show us — the manna is gone and now Israel feasts on the produce of the land. The Promised Land will be their sustenance. However, lest we forget, who brings Israel to the Promised Land? Who provides the victory in the Promised Land? Who created this Land in the first place. Just because the method of provision changes, that doesn’t mean it’s ceases to be His grace. God is the One who provides every step of the way!

So for us, we pray, “Give us this day our daily bread” and we “seek first the kingdom of God…and all these things will be added to you.”

Taking a step back:

It seems this passage, this interruption in the narrative flow, teaches us some “big picture” truths:

Covenant faithfulness will be key for Israel moving forward. Circumcision was the fundamental marker for covenant faithfulness and reminded Israel of their need for generational obedience.

The Passover celebration was to be central to Israelite life, reminding Israel of God’s gracious provision, but serving as a gentle reminder that the final Passover Lamb had not yet come!