The Blessing of Gilgal

Joshua 5:8-9

The Word of Life

8 And after the whole nation had been circumcised, they remained where they were in camp until they were healed.

9 Then the Lord said to Joshua, “Today I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you.” So the place has been called Gilgal to this day.

After the Israelites had crossed the Jordan River, God called Joshua and commanded him to carry out a circumcision of the entire nation of Israel. This circumcision was first commanded as a sign to Abraham that he had become God’s people. However, the generation that was born during the wilderness journey were unable to be circumcised hence God commanded Joshua. Joshua heard God’s command and immediately carried out a circumcision and when the circumcision was finished God blessed him saying “Today I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you.” So the place has been called Gilgal to this day. Then what is the blessing of Gilgal and what was the significance in circumcising the Israelites?

First, the Israelites had become distinguished people of God through the circumcision. The important significance of the circumcision was the fact that God had made this an eternal covenantal sign with Abraham (Gen 17:9-10). This promise was put on hold due to the Israelites’ disobedience that led to their 40 year wilderness journey, however when they crossed the Jordan River and reached the Promised Land God reminded them of this promise with them first and foremost and commanded it.

Second, it was a ritual that confirmed their complete faith in God. God commanded the circumcision in Gilgal to see their complete trust in the Lord. This was because if a circumcision were to be carried out, for about a week movement would not be comfortable. Especially on the third-fourth day it is known that movement is virtually impossible. Then when we think about it across the Jordan River is Canaan, the enemy land. In a situation where the Canaanite soldiers are on the prowl, what person in their right mind can accept being in a state where one is unarmed and impossible to move? Without a heart that had complete faith in God this was a commandment that they couldn’t obey. Therefore, God commanded the circumcision and by obeying the Israelites received the blessing of Gilgal and the blessing of atonement for all of their past sins.

Prayer Title

Are you living your life according to the commandment of God to carry out a circumcision even throughout crisis in your lives? A true life of carrying out a circumcision is a life that has severed the flesh of the heart and become a life that is distinguished as a person of God and a life that has complete faith in God alone. Pray that you will be able to live this life.