Joshua 5:3

KJV

And Joshua made him sharp knives, and circumcised the children of Israel at the hill of the foreskins.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Joshua {H3091} made {H6213} him sharp {H6697} knives {H2719}, and circumcised {H4135} the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} at the hill {H1389} of the foreskins {H6190}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So Y'hoshua made himself knives of flint and circumcised the people of Isra'el at Giv'at-Ha'Aralot [the hill of foreskins].

Berean Standard Bible

So Joshua made flint knives and circumcised the sons of Israel at Gibeath-haaraloth.

American Standard Version

And Joshua made him knives of flint, and circumcised the children of Israel at the hill of the foreskins.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 5:3 records a pivotal moment in Israel's history upon their entry into the Promised Land: Joshua, under divine instruction, circumcised the entire male population at Gilgal. This mass circumcision, performed with flint knives at the site thereafter known as "the hill of the foreskins," served as a profound act of covenant renewal and spiritual consecration for a generation born in the wilderness who had not yet received this sign. It underscored Israel's renewed commitment to God's covenant and demonstrated their absolute obedience and trust in divine protection over any perceived military vulnerability, setting the spiritual foundation for the conquest of Canaan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically positioned immediately following the miraculous crossing of the Jordan River, an event that powerfully echoed the Red Sea deliverance and confirmed God's presence with Joshua, just as He had been with Moses ([Joshua 3](/joshua/3 "Joshua 3 - Crossing the Jordan") and [Joshua 4](/joshua/4 "Joshua 4 - Memorial Stones")). The narrative transitions from God's miraculous provision and entry into the land to a critical act of national consecration. The verses immediately preceding [Joshua 5:3](/joshua/5-3 "Joshua 5:3 - Circumcision at Gilgal") detail God's explicit command for this circumcision ([Joshua 5:2](/joshua/5-2 "Joshua 5:2 - God's Command for Circumcision")), and the subsequent verses clarify the historical reason for its necessity—the uncircumcised state of the wilderness generation ([Joshua 5:4-7](/joshua/5-4-7 "Joshua 5:4-7 - Explanation for the Circumcision")). This profound act of covenant renewal precedes the encounter between Joshua and the Commander of the Lord's Host ([Joshua 5:13-15](/joshua/5-13-15 "Joshua 5:13-15 - The Commander of the Lord's Host")) and the subsequent military campaign against Jericho ([Joshua 6](/joshua/6 "Joshua 6 - The Fall of Jericho")), powerfully highlighting that spiritual readiness and unwavering obedience were paramount before any physical or military engagement.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The practice of circumcision was the physical sign of the Abrahamic covenant, established by God in [Genesis 17:9-14](/genesis/17-9-14 "Genesis 17:9-14 - The Covenant of Circumcision") as an everlasting ordinance. However, during the forty years of wilderness wandering, the male Israelites born during that period had not been circumcised, possibly due to the transient nature of their journey, the perceived impracticality, or as a consequence of God's displeasure with the rebellious generation. Performing this ritual en masse at Gilgal, their first encampment in Canaan, marked a definitive break from their wilderness past and a re-establishment of their identity as God's covenant people. Culturally, circumcision distinguished Israel from the surrounding Canaanite nations, who generally did not practice it, thus reinforcing their unique, set-apart status. The act itself, performed with flint knives, reflects ancient Near Eastern practices and possibly a symbolic return to the simplicity and purity of their origins, or a practical necessity given the lack of readily available metal tools. The immense vulnerability of the entire male fighting force post-circumcision, especially in hostile enemy territory, underscores the extraordinary faith and trust in God's immediate protection required to obey this seemingly counter-intuitive command.
* **Key Themes:** [Joshua 5:3](/joshua/5-3 "Joshua 5:3 - Circumcision at Gilgal") powerfully illustrates several key themes central to the book of Joshua and the broader narrative of Israel's relationship with God. Firstly, **Covenant Renewal** is paramount; the circumcision reaffirms Israel's unique relationship with Yahweh, symbolizing their commitment to the covenant initiated with Abraham. This spiritual cleansing was essential for a people about to inherit the promises of God. Secondly, **Obedience and Consecration** are highlighted, as God commanded this act *before* any military engagement. This demonstrates that spiritual alignment and God's agenda took precedence over human strategic planning, requiring immense faith to incapacitate the entire army before battle. Thirdly, it underscores **National Identity**; circumcision physically marked Israel as distinct, reinforcing their chosen status and separating them from the pagan inhabitants of Canaan. Finally, it speaks to **Divine Preparation**, emphasizing that God prepares His people spiritually before leading them into physical battles or fulfilling His promises, ensuring that victory is attributed to Him alone, as seen in the subsequent fall of Jericho ([Joshua 6](/joshua/6 "Joshua 6 - The Fall of Jericho")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Knives (Hebrew, _chereb_):** From H2719, meaning "drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement." While often translated as "swords" or "daggers," here it specifically refers to the instruments used for circumcision. The KJV's "sharp knives" (from the root H6697 `tsûwr`, meaning "rock" or "sharp edge") indicates they were likely made of flint or stone, emphasizing a primitive, yet ritually significant, tool. This detail underscores the foundational nature of the act and perhaps a return to ancient methods.
* **Circumcised (Hebrew, _mûwl_):** From H4135, a primitive root meaning "to cut short, i.e., curtail (specifically the prepuce, i.e., to circumcise); by implication, to blunt; figuratively, to destroy." This term denotes the ritual cutting of the foreskin, the physical sign of the covenant established with Abraham in [Genesis 17](/genesis/17 "Genesis 17 - The Abrahamic Covenant"). Its use here emphasizes the re-establishment of this foundational covenant sign for a new generation entering the Promised Land, marking them as distinct and consecrated to Yahweh.
* **Foreskins (Hebrew, _ʻorlâh_):** From H6190, feminine of `ʻarêl`, meaning "the prepuce." This word specifically refers to the uncircumcised state or the foreskin itself. Its inclusion in the place name "the hill of the foreskins" (Gibeath-haaraloth) serves as a permanent, stark memorial to the mass circumcision that took place there. It signifies the magnitude of the event and its lasting impact on the national identity and spiritual history of Israel, forever linking the location to this act of covenant renewal and purification.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Joshua made him sharp knives":** This clause highlights Joshua's direct and active role in fulfilling God's command. As the divinely appointed leader, he is not merely a passive observer but takes the initiative to prepare the necessary tools for this momentous ritual. The "sharp knives" (literally "knives of flint") emphasize the primitive nature of the tools, possibly linking back to the wilderness journey and a reliance on basic, God-provided means, or signifying the gravity and purity of the ancient covenant ritual.
* **"and circumcised the children of Israel":** This central action describes the mass circumcision of all uncircumcised males among the "children of Israel" (H1121 `bên` + H3478 `Yisrâʼêl`). It signifies the re-establishment of the covenant relationship between God and the new generation of Israelites entering the Promised Land. This act was not just a physical procedure but a profound spiritual and national consecration, marking them as God's chosen people before they embarked on the conquest of Canaan. It was an act of corporate obedience and purification, essential for their identity and mission.
* **"at the hill of the foreskins":** This specifies the location of the mass circumcision. The name "hill of the foreskins" (Hebrew: _Gibeath-haaraloth_, from H1389 `gibʻâh` "hillock" and H6190 `ʻorlâh` "foreskin") is a memorial designation, literally meaning "the hill of the foreskins." This detail underscores the sheer scale of the event and its lasting significance, creating a permanent landmark that would forever remind future generations of this foundational act of covenant renewal and the cost of their spiritual identity.

#### Literary Devices
[Joshua 5:3](/joshua/5-3 "Joshua 5:3 - Circumcision at Gilgal") employs several literary devices to convey its profound significance. **Symbolism** is central, with circumcision serving as the primary symbol of the Abrahamic covenant, representing Israel's identity as God's chosen people and their spiritual purity. The act itself, performed with flint knives, might be seen as symbolic of a return to foundational, perhaps even primitive, purity, or a stark reminder of their wilderness journey and reliance on God's provision. The naming of the location as "the hill of the foreskins" (Gibeath-haaraloth) is a powerful example of **onomastics** (the study of names), creating a memorial and a toponymic marker that permanently links the place to the event. This also functions as **foreshadowing**, as the physical vulnerability of the circumcised men implicitly foreshadows the need for divine protection, setting the stage for God's miraculous intervention in the upcoming battles. The narrative also employs **contrast** between the physical incapacitation of the fighting men and the spiritual strengthening and divine readiness that this act of obedience brings, highlighting that true victory comes from God's power, not human strength.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The circumcision at Gilgal, as described in [Joshua 5:3](/joshua/5-3 "Joshua 5:3 - Circumcision at Gilgal"), is a profound theological statement. It underscores that God's covenant promises are not automatically inherited but require active participation and obedience from His people. This act of purification and covenant renewal was a prerequisite for entering into the fullness of God's promises in the land. It taught Israel that spiritual readiness and consecration to God were more vital than military strategy or physical strength. By making themselves vulnerable, they demonstrated absolute reliance on God for protection, solidifying their faith and dependence on Him as they faced formidable enemies. This event also highlights the cyclical nature of covenant relationship—God's faithfulness is met with humanity's required response of obedience, even when it seems counter-intuitive or costly. It is a powerful reminder that divine blessing flows from spiritual alignment.

* [Genesis 17:9-14](/genesis/17-9-14 "The Covenant of Circumcision")
* [Exodus 12:48](/exodus/12-48 "Exodus 12:48 - Circumcision for Passover")
* [Romans 2:28-29](/romans/2-28-29 "Romans 2:28-29 - True Circumcision of the Heart")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[Joshua 5:3](/joshua/5-3 "Joshua 5:3 - Circumcision at Gilgal") offers a powerful lesson for believers today: spiritual preparation and obedience must always precede divine assignment and blessing. Just as Israel needed to renew their covenant with God before conquering the Promised Land, we too are called to a life of consecration and alignment with God's will before embarking on His work. This often means prioritizing spiritual disciplines, repentance, and a renewed commitment to God, even when it seems to make us vulnerable or appears counter-productive from a worldly perspective. The Israelites' act of faith, incapacitating their entire fighting force, reminds us that true victory and fruitfulness in God's kingdom come not from our own strength, cleverness, or strategic planning, but from humble reliance on His power and perfect timing. It challenges us to ask what "foreskins"—what unholy attachments, unconfessed sins, or worldly securities—we need to lay down to fully consecrate ourselves to God's purposes, trusting Him completely with the outcomes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What areas of my life need spiritual "circumcision" or purification before I can fully step into God's calling?**
* **In what ways am I relying on my own strength or strategy rather than trusting God's protection and provision, even when it means vulnerability?**
* **How does my daily life demonstrate a renewed commitment to my covenant relationship with God, prioritizing His will above all else?**

### FAQ
**Why was this mass circumcision necessary at this specific time?**

Answer: This mass circumcision was necessary because the generation of Israelite males born during the forty years of wilderness wandering had not been circumcised, as explicitly explained in [Joshua 5:4-7](/joshua/5-4-7 "Joshua 5:4-7 - Explanation for the Circumcision"). God commanded this act as a renewal of the Abrahamic covenant ([Genesis 17:9-14](/genesis/17-9-14 "Genesis 17:9-14 - The Covenant of Circumcision")) before Israel began the conquest of the Promised Land. It signified their re-establishment as God's holy, covenant people, ensuring their spiritual readiness and purity before engaging in the divine mission of taking possession of the land. It was a crucial step of obedience and consecration, marking a definitive break from the wilderness period and a fresh start in their relationship with God.

**Wasn't it incredibly dangerous to circumcise all the fighting men in enemy territory?**

Answer: Yes, it was an act of profound and seemingly reckless faith. The mass circumcision would have rendered all the fighting-age men of Israel incapacitated and vulnerable for several days, leaving them exposed to potential attacks from the surrounding Canaanite inhabitants. This profound vulnerability highlights the immense faith and obedience required of Israel. It demonstrated their absolute trust in God's protection, proving that their reliance was entirely on Him rather than on their own military strength or strategic advantage. God's command for this act before any battle underscored that victory would come from His power, not from human might, and served as a powerful testament to His faithfulness in protecting His covenant people. It was a test of their dependence on God's miraculous intervention, which He indeed provided.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The physical act of circumcision in [Joshua 5:3](/joshua/5-3 "Joshua 5:3 - Circumcision at Gilgal"), a foundational sign of the Old Covenant, finds its ultimate fulfillment and spiritual transformation in Jesus Christ. While the cutting of the flesh marked Israel as God's chosen people under the Law, the New Covenant brings a deeper, spiritual circumcision of the heart, "by the Spirit, not by the letter" ([Romans 2:29](/romans/2-29 "Romans 2:29 - True Circumcision of the Heart")). Through Christ, believers undergo a spiritual cutting away of the sinful nature, a "circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ" ([Colossians 2:11](/colossians/2-11 "Colossians 2:11 - Circumcision in Christ")). This New Covenant reality, inaugurated by Jesus' perfect obedience and sacrifice, means that true belonging to God's people is no longer based on physical lineage or ritual, but on faith in Him and the transformative work of the Holy Spirit, leading to a new life in Christ ([Philippians 3:3](/philippians/3-3 "Philippians 3:3 - True Worshipers")). Just as Israel was consecrated before entering the physical Promised Land, believers are consecrated by Christ's work, enabling them to live in the spiritual realities of God's kingdom and fulfill His purposes, inheriting the eternal promises secured by the true Seed of Abraham ([Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "Galatians 3:16 - The Seed of Abraham")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Genesis 17:23

¶ And Abraham took Ishmael his son, and all that were born in his house, and all that were bought with his money, every male among the men of Abraham's house; and circumcised the flesh of their foreskin in the selfsame day, as God had said unto him.

Genesis 17:27

And all the men of his house, born in the house, and bought with money of the stranger, were circumcised with him.

Matthew 16:24

¶ Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any [man] will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.