Joshua 5 7

Joshua 5:7 kjv

And their children, whom he raised up in their stead, them Joshua circumcised: for they were uncircumcised, because they had not circumcised them by the way.

Joshua 5:7 nkjv

Then Joshua circumcised their sons whom He raised up in their place; for they were uncircumcised, because they had not been circumcised on the way.

Joshua 5:7 niv

So he raised up their sons in their place, and these were the ones Joshua circumcised. They were still uncircumcised because they had not been circumcised on the way.

Joshua 5:7 esv

So it was their children, whom he raised up in their place, that Joshua circumcised. For they were uncircumcised, because they had not been circumcised on the way.

Joshua 5:7 nlt

So Joshua circumcised their sons ? those who had grown up to take their fathers' places ? for they had not been circumcised on the way to the Promised Land.

Joshua 5 verses

Joshua 5 7 Meaning

Joshua 5:7 states that the new generation of Israelites, whom God had brought forth in place of their fathers who died in the wilderness, were circumcised by Joshua. This essential act of covenant obedience was performed because the previous generation had failed to circumcise their children during the forty years of wandering. The verse highlights the rectification of a significant omission and the renewed commitment to God's covenant sign as Israel prepared to inherit the Promised Land.

Joshua 5 7 Context

Joshua chapter 5 is a pivotal chapter marking Israel's transition from wandering to conquering. After miraculously crossing the Jordan River and setting up memorial stones (Josh 3-4), Israel encampment at Gilgal. This chapter records three crucial events that prepare the new generation for war: the command and execution of circumcision (vv. 2-9), the celebration of the Passover (vv. 10-12), and Joshua's encounter with the Commander of the Lord's army (vv. 13-15).

Verse 7 specifically addresses the reason for the mass circumcision. The generation of Israelites who were children during the Exodus, born after the command of circumcision in the wilderness, had remained uncircumcised. This failure to perform the covenant sign on these males for forty years symbolized, in part, the previous generation's spiritual disconnect and the consequences of their rebellion that led to their wilderness death. Before engaging in the holy war and claiming their inheritance, God required this physical act of obedience as a reaffirmation of their covenant relationship with Him. It was a visible sign of their consecration and a necessary step to remove any lingering "reproach of Egypt," marking them distinctly as God's redeemed people ready to fulfill His purpose.

Joshua 5 7 Word analysis

• And their children: Refers specifically to the new generation, those born during the forty-year wilderness journey. This generation was distinct from the unfaithful Exodus generation who died in the wilderness (Num 14).
• which He raised up: Hebrew: asher heqim (אֲשֶׁר הֵקִים). The verb qum (קוּם) means "to arise," "to stand up," or "to establish." In this context, it highlights God's divine hand in preserving and preparing this new generation to succeed their rebellious parents. It signifies God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, despite human failure. He did not abandon His people but raised up a new, responsive generation.
• in their stead: This phrase emphasizes the replacement of the disobedient generation with a new one ready to fulfill God's purposes. It underscores the severity of God's judgment on unbelief and His steadfastness in working through those who would obey Him.
• them Joshua circumcised: Joshua is God's appointed leader, chosen to execute God's command. His leadership encompasses spiritual oversight, ensuring the covenant is honored before military action. This act by Joshua was direct obedience to the Lord's command in Josh 5:2-3.
• for they were uncircumcised: Hebrew: kiy-ʿarĕliym hayu (כִּי־עֲרֵלִים הָיוּ). ʿārēl (ערל) means "uncircumcised." This refers to their physical state but carries profound theological weight. Being uncircumcised meant they lacked the physical mark of the Abrahamic covenant (Gen 17), distinguishing God's people. This state needed rectification for them to properly inherit the land and wage God's wars.
• because they had not circumcised them: This points to the neglect of the previous generation. While it may have been practically challenging during the constant movement in the wilderness, the text implies this was largely a consequence of their overall rebellion and God's judgment (Heb 3:17-19). Their parents' failure to keep the covenant included this essential sign.
• by the way: Hebrew: badderekh (בַּדֶּרֶךְ). Literally "in the way" or "on the journey." This refers to the forty-year wilderness wandering (Deut 2:7, 8:2). It explains when the circumcision was omitted, during their nomadic life from Egypt until they reached Canaan.

Words-group analysis:

• "their children which He raised up in their stead": This phrase beautifully illustrates God's sovereignty and faithfulness. Despite the failure of one generation, God sovereignly raised up another to inherit the promises. It speaks to divine continuity and purpose, emphasizing that God's plans cannot be thwarted by human disobedience; rather, He will fulfill them through new instruments if necessary.
• "them Joshua circumcised: for they were uncircumcised": This stark contrast highlights the urgent need for this covenant ceremony. Joshua's immediate action upon entering the land demonstrates a shift from the wilderness era's state of neglected obedience to a period of covenant renewal and readiness for divine work. The physical state of "uncircumcision" symbolized a spiritual and covenantal deficit that needed to be remedied.
• "because they had not circumcised them by the way": This phrase offers the precise historical reason for the ceremony at Gilgal. It identifies a long-standing omission, possibly linked to the prevailing judgment and lack of full covenant commitment during the wilderness period. It underscores that God's patience does not negate the necessity of His covenant signs and obedience. This was not a divine command not to circumcise but a human failure that was allowed to persist due to God's disciplinary actions upon that generation.

Joshua 5 7 Bonus section

• The timing of this mass circumcision, before any military engagements, underscores the theological principle that spiritual preparedness and obedience precede divine success. God prioritizes covenant faithfulness over immediate conquest.
• The use of "flint knives" (Josh 5:2) echoes ancient ritual practices, lending a primal and sacred weight to the ceremony, connecting it directly to Abraham's time.
• While circumcision was neglected in the wilderness, it wasn't due to a specific command to abstain. Instead, it was likely due to the chaotic nature of the journey, combined with a period of judgment where regular covenant observances waned. The renewed emphasis signifies God's desire for full covenant engagement before settling into the Promised Land.
• This event also provides an Old Testament prefigurement for the New Testament concept of spiritual circumcision (Deut 30:6; Rom 2:29; Col 2:11). Just as the physical foreskin was removed to mark covenant, so too are believers to have their "hearts" circumcised from sin and self to walk in the Spirit, consecrated to God.

Joshua 5 7 Commentary

Joshua 5:7 is a profound declaration of covenant renewal and national rededication as Israel transitioned into the Promised Land. The uncircumcised status of the new generation was a glaring testament to the failure of their parents, whose forty-year wandering was a consequence of unbelief and disobedience. Joshua, acting on divine command, facilitated the restoration of this foundational covenant sign (Gen 17). This act was more than a physical procedure; it was a powerful theological statement. It marked the collective re-entry into the Abrahamic covenant for the generation chosen to inherit Canaan, distinguishing them as God's peculiar people (Josh 5:9). It ensured ritual purity and spiritual readiness for both the celebration of the Passover (Josh 5:10) and the battles ahead (Josh 5:13ff). The significance of Gilgal ("rolling away" the reproach) directly tied to this event. This circumcision emphasized that divine blessing and victory flow from a people who are consecrated to God, outwardly symbolizing their inward commitment.