Joshua 5:9

"When they were done circumcising the whole nation, they stayed in their places in the camp until they were healed."

Key Reflection

Upon completing the ritual of circumcision for all the people, as commanded by God (Exodus 4:24-26), the Israelites remained in their camps to allow time for healing. This action underscored the importance of physical purification and adherence to divine commandments, preparing them both spiritually and physically for their journey into the Promised Land. The original audience would have understood this as a necessary step to ensure the community's sanctity before entering into covenant relationships with God.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

The reproach of Egypt -i. e. “reproach proceeding from Egypt.” The expression probably refers to taunts actually uttered by the Egyptians against Israel, because of their long wanderings in the desert and failures to acquire a settlement in Canaan (compareExodus 32:12;Numbers 14:13-16;Deuteronomy 9:28;Deuteronomy 32:27). These reproaches were now to end, for they had actually entered Canaan, and the restoration of the covenant was a pledge from God to accomplish what was begun for them.

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