(Joshua 5 vs 2-8. Heb 4 vs 12 )
Joshua was being used of God to bring about the long awaited promise.
To inherit the land that God had told Abraham about.
And now it was to become reality.
Jericho was ahead of them, the first battle, and the first miraculous victory.
But something had to happen first.
(Even though the enemy's hearts were melting in fear, and victory could have been assumed).
Circumcision had to happen.
"Make flint knives" God said to Joshua " and circumcise Israel again"
After this, "they remained in the camp until they were healed"?.and then God removed the reproach of Egypt.
All that contamination, all the years of slavery, of captivity.
Gone.
Now they were ready for the battle that would bring their inheritance.
The writer of the Hebrews says " the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double - edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart"
The Apostle Paul was also convinced of another circumcision: "?circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code [law]?.
So, what is the point?
If we believe the promises that God have given us are true, and that there is "land" to be posessed, then something needs to happen.
Even though the enemy is already in fear
Our hearts need to be circumcised,
Because God wants us to have all that he has promised.
The Holy Spirit will do the work, as we open our hearts to the word.
Then we will be ready for any battle.
Knowing that it has already been won.
(The act of circumcision in the OT was always a sign of purification and devotion to God. Our hearts are now the objects of circumcision by the the Spirit. All the dross and impurity that builds up is removed by the wonderful and loving actions of the Holy Spirit, and we find a place of inheritance which according to the writer to the Hebrews, is a "sabbath rest". It is my conviction that in this place of rest, battles can be fought and strongholds torn down with tangible results here on earth. I believe that the need for this this has never been greater).