I think the equivalent would be sending U.S. troops to Kuwait to acclimate, then bringing them into Iraq, and then performing surgery on all of them and having them laying around in tents, unable to move for a week or two. This is not how we would plan our attack. We would minimize the risk, and thereby minimize our need to depend on God. But God seems bent on showing Israel that they are in need of Him. As we'll see in the battles that come... they are completely dependent on God. The whole sequence is then punctuated with an observation of the Passover- celebrating the lamb who was their substitute. Joshua and Israel are only ready to conquer the Promised Land after God makes it clear that HE is in charge. Even their conquering is a gift of His Grace.
Monday, March 10, 2008
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The phrase "circumcised again" surprised me. I couldn't quite figure out the anatomy. Just as I was about to cringe an explanation was offered.
These were the unborn at the time God's punishment of 40 years of wandering was assigned. I never thought of this. Although the Israelites were led by God, they did not honor the covenant of circumcision for 40 years.
They were fed by God and they had the law. In fact, manna stopped when they crossed the Jordan. But although they had the law, they didn't keep the covenant of circumcision.
Perhaps there was a flint shortage in the desert . . . maybe. Or perhaps it was time for them to agree that the Lord would be their God. In the new covenant we are asked to circumcise our hearts. That is something I sometimes picture doing again ... and again.
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