Bible Strands
Joshua 5:3
So Joshua made flint knives and circumcised the sons of Israel at Gibeath-haaraloth.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Joshua acts immediately after receiving a direct command from the LORD, following the death of the entire wilderness generation that left Egypt. He performs the rite at Gibeath-haaraloth with the newly born sons of Israel.
The words — צֻרִים (tzu.Rim) literally means "flints" or "stones," specifying the crude tools used. וַ/יָּ֙מָל֙ (va/i.Ya.mol) translates as "and he circumcised," denoting the physical act commanded.
The thread — The practice originates in Genesis 17:23 as the covenant sign, while Matthew 16:24 draws a structural parallel through the imperative of self-denial and taking up a cross.
Why it lands — The text demands recognition that covenant obedience requires practical preparation and immediate execution after a period of divine judgment. It requires the reader to distinguish between the physical rite and its underlying call to consecration.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
And Joshua made him sharp knives, and circumcised the children of Israel at the hill of the foreskins.
Cross-references
- Genesis 17:23 On that very day Abraham took his son Ishmael and all those born in his household or purchased with his money—every male among the members of Abraham’s household—and he circumcised them, just as God had told him.
- Matthew 16:24 Then Jesus told His disciples, “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me.