Chapter 5:1-9
“And it came to pass, when all the kings of the Amorites, which were on the side of Jordan westward, and all the kings of the Canaanites, which were by the sea, heard that the Lord had dried up the waters of Jordan from before the children of Israel, until we were passed over, that their heart melted, neither was there spirit in them any more, because of the children of Israel.”
Satan had not been able to prevent Israel’s departure from Egypt, nor could he stop them from crossing the Jordan. Full well He knows with whom he has to do in this conflict, and he quails before the power of God in His people.
However, he does not give up the fight. He had challenged and sought to frighten the people along the wilderness journey, but now he changes his tactics. Within the land Israel found themselves engaged in a more subtle, deadly warfare.
As Christians we have the same subtle foe. The New Testament epistle which answers to Joshua of the Old and which sets forth in a most blessed way our exalted place and portion in Christ, warns us to “Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” Eph. 6:1111Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. (Ephesians 6:11).
It is his way to corrupt the truth of God; at the same time he will use the flesh in all its forms to get an advantage over the Christian. May we be able to say with the Apostle, “We are not ignorant of his devices... For we are not as many, which corrupt the Word of God.” 2 Cor. 2:11, 1711Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices. (2 Corinthians 2:11)
17For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ. (2 Corinthians 2:17).
But before Israel could use the sword against their enemies, they must have the sharp knives applied to themselves. So it was at Gilgal the people encamped and were circumcised, for none of those born in the wilderness had had this mark put upon them.
Circumcision is a figure of death to the flesh. It was a painful thing, especially at the first; and when we as believers put the sentence of death on the flesh, it suffers. However, if we are to enter in and enjoy our heavenly portion in Christ, which Canaan typifies, the flesh in us must be put in the place of death.
The old nature in us does not like to be denied; however, after Gilgal’s painful lesson, God gave His people that mighty victory at Jericho. The flesh in us, if allowed to work, would only lead to ruin and defeat; but if mortified (Co1.3:5), or put in the place of death, it will mean sure victory for us in our heavenly warfare.
Gilgal was a blessed place for Israel, for it was their first possession in the promised land. There it was Joshua put those twelve stones taken out of the Jordan. There it was God Himself rolled away the reproach of Egypt, for it was a great disgrace for the children of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob to have been bond slaves in Egypt.
Gilgal then for us is the cross, and our circumcision was accomplished in the death of Christ, by which we are wholly separated to God. May we be “always bearing about in the body the dying of Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.” 2 Cor. 4:1010Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. (2 Corinthians 4:10).
ML-05/22/1977