Circumcision at Gilgal

Jericho Plain of Gilgal, Jordan, Dead Sea, and Mountains of Moab, Artist/Maker Unknown, ca. 1844

 

Circumcision at Gilgal: The Significance of God's Declaration

Q: Before the Israelites left Egypt, Moses was nearly struck down by God's wrath because he had not circumcised his son. However, even during their wilderness journey, the Israelites failed to circumcise their descendants. What was the reason for this?

 

A: The phrase "God said He has removed the disgrace of Egypt from you" can be found in Joshua 5:9:
"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." (Joshua 5:9, NIV)

This expression, "God has removed the disgrace of Egypt," connects to the meaning of "He has rolled away everything." This phrase represents more than just a physical action—it points to a spiritual transformation and the restoration of identity.

 

1. What is the "disgrace of Egypt"?

In biblical terms, "disgrace" refers to shame, a lowered status, or dishonor. Thus, the "disgrace of Egypt" refers to the historical marks of shame and humiliation the Israelites experienced during their slavery in Egypt.

The Israelites endured centuries of oppression and abuse in Egypt. While God used Moses to deliver them, their journey through the wilderness revealed a constant pattern of complaining, disobedience, and failure to trust God. The first generation of Israelites, despite being on the verge of entering the Promised Land, lacked the faith to inherit it, and they perished in the wilderness.

Even though the Israelites physically left Egypt, their hearts and minds were still enslaved by the mindset and attitudes formed during their years of bondage. Therefore, "the disgrace of Egypt" was not just their past as slaves, but also the unbelief and rebellion they demonstrated during their wilderness journey.

 

2. The Circumcision at Gilgal and the New Beginning

During the 40 years in the wilderness after the Exodus, a new generation of Israelites was born. However, this new generation had not been circumcised. Circumcision was an important covenantal sign between God and His people, a practice that had been passed down since God's covenant with Abraham (Genesis 17:10-14).

At Gilgal, God commanded the Israelites to undergo circumcision, symbolizing a renewal of their covenant relationship with Him. This act was a deliberate step in reestablishing them as God's chosen people, a sign that they belonged to Him.

Moreover, the name "Gilgal" itself means "to roll away" or "to roll off." This is significant as it points to the removal of the disgrace of Egypt, the disbelief of their forefathers, and the wandering in the wilderness. Gilgal became the place where Israel's shame was removed and a new chapter began, marking the end of their past struggles and the beginning of a new life.

 

3. What Does "He Has Rolled Away Everything" Mean?

When God said, "He has rolled away everything," it was not just about erasing their past. It was a profound statement that the Israelites were now ready to enter into a new identity as God's people and begin their journey as a faith community.

1) Complete Freedom from the Bondage of Egypt

The Israelites' slavery in Egypt left deep physical and emotional scars. However, God was no longer holding their past mistakes and suffering against them. Through circumcision at Gilgal, He gave them a new identity, one not defined by their former status as slaves but by their covenant with Him.

2) Erasing the Marks of Unbelief and Disobedience

The first generation of Israelites perished in the wilderness because of their disobedience. The new generation, through circumcision, signified the removal of those failures. It marked a fresh start and a break from the pattern of rebellion and unbelief that had characterized their ancestors.

3) Establishing a New Identity as God's People

Through the act of circumcision, the Israelites once again confirmed their covenant with God. It was not merely a physical act, but a reminder that God was leading them, protecting them, and guiding their steps. This act symbolized their return to God’s divine plan and the assurance of His faithful provision.

4. Spiritual Lessons for Us

This passage holds vital spiritual lessons for us today.

1) We Must Break Free from the Past

God does not want us to remain shackled by past sins and wounds. For those who believe in Jesus Christ, God offers a new life, one free from the guilt and shame of past mistakes. Just as He rolled away the disgrace of Egypt, He wants us to experience freedom from our past and step into the new life He has prepared for us.

2) We Must Reaffirm Our Covenant with God

Just as the Israelites reaffirmed their covenant through circumcision, we too must regularly assess and reaffirm our relationship with God. Our faith journey requires that we continually choose to live according to God’s will, trusting in His promises and living in obedience to His commands.

3) We Must Trust in God's Leading

The Israelites were called to trust God’s guidance, just as they did when they began their new journey at Gilgal. Like them, we must trust in God's direction for our lives, knowing that He has rolled away our past and is leading us to new opportunities and blessings.

5. Conclusion

When the Israelites received circumcision at Gilgal, and God declared that He had removed the disgrace of Egypt from them, it was not merely about forgetting their past. It was about restoring their identity, renewing their covenant with God, and preparing them to step into the future that He had promised. This passage speaks to us today, reminding us that God desires for us to break free from the shame and sin of our past, reaffirm our covenant relationship with Him, and walk confidently in His guidance.

God wants us to leave behind the burdens of past failures and step into the new life He offers. He opens new paths for us, just as He opened the Promised Land for the Israelites. As we move forward, we must trust Him and live according to His Word, knowing that He has erased our past, and He is leading us into a future filled with His presence and blessings.

Thus, we must lay down the weights of the past and embrace the new life God has prepared, walking in faith, trusting in His guidance, and living with hope for what is to come.