The kings around and along the Jordan were freaking out.
At this time God asked Joshua to circumcise the nation. Which seems like a strange move. Maybe God wanted to remind the nation how their fathers failed to enter the promised land and remind them to be faithful. Or maybe he wanted to remind the people that they were a people of a covenant who could only do things by God's strength. And going into battle he wanted them to keep these things in mind.
It's at this point that God tells Joshua, today I have rolled the reproach of Egypt from Him. So they named the place Gilgal. I see how the Israelite people were very Good at making things that would stir their memory towards what God said and did.
On that note, Israel celebrated Passover, which was a celebration of leaving Egypt. It's here that something interesting happened. They took and ate the produce of the land at pass over. And the next morning, the manna stopped. And from that day on they lived on the produce of Canaan.
It almost feels like God was weaning them, saying no more food, grow your own. I'm reminded that Man's punishment from the fall, was that he would have to work the land for food. And God's provision of manna in the desert should have been a sign of provision and care that Israel ignored.
All this would have been going through Joshua's mind. The thought of what is God preparing us for here at Gilgal. I imagine him going out for a walk near Jericho, when he came across a man with a sword in his hand. Joshua asked him if he is for us, or against us. (And that's where that phrase comes from) And his response was neither, I have come as the commander of the lord's army.
Joshua fell face down in reverence and said, what message does God send to his servant. And the commander of the lord's army tells him to take off his shoes, for he is standing on Holy ground.
I think the interesting thing about Gilgal, is that God was teaching his children what would be different across the Jordan. This is your home, forget about the reproach of Egypt. I am with you. Remember your covenant. These ideas flow over and over again through the scripture.
Joshua knew something different was coming, that this was what he needed to be strong and courageous for. I think God was preparing Israel for invasion.
What is God preparing me for?
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