Circumcision at Gilgal

Joshua 5:1-12

Key Verse 5:9

1. In this passage the Lord God commanded Joshua to circumcise the Lord's army. What does this "circumcision" symbolize (cf. Hebrews 10:1; Gen 17:11; Rm 2:29; Col 2:11; Deu 30:6; Gal 5:6)? 

2. Read vs. 1-3. In what respect was the Lord's command not easy for Joshua to obey? Yet, how did Joshua obey? How do you think Joshua was able to obey such an onerous command (cf. 1; Psa 23:5)? 

3. Read vs. 4-6. This passage says that even after they had received circumcision [upon their physical body], and even after getting out of Egypt through such a great miracle, they failed to enter the Promised Land for they did not believe in the Lord's promise. What can we learn from their failures (Romans 1:17; Eph 3:16,17; 1Pe 2:2; 3:18)?

4. Read vs. 7-8. The Lord God could have given up on the idea of leading his flock to the Promised Land. Yet, he "raised up" a new batch of people to lead to the Promised Land. What does this show us about the Lord?

5. Read v. 9. The "reproach of Egypt" refers to the evil influence of the world and its rulers. Why then was it necessary for the Lord's army to be set free from the "reproach of Egypt" before themselves getting involved in the battle (cf. Deu 23:14; Col 3:5,6; Heb 12:1)?

6. Read v. 10 along with Exodus 12. What does the "Passover" symbolize (cf. 1Co 15:3; Rom 8:1)? Before God's children engaged in the battle for the Promised Land, they first "celebrated" the Passover. What lesson is there for us to learn in participating in the Lord's battle? 

7. Read vs. 11-12. This passage says that the Israelites started out feeding themselves instead of the Lord feeding them. What does this passage tell us about the way the Lord helps his children (cf. Mark 9:27; John 11:44; Rom 1:5)?