It was on the tenth day of the first month that Israel crossed the Jordan. They encamped at Gilgal, just east of Jericho. Here they circumcised all their males. Circumcision is a picture of cutting off the flesh, a very needful thing for us to do as Christians. Now the reproach of Egypt was rolled away and Israel went on to celebrate their first Passover in the land. They now began eating the produce of Canaan—the “old corn” of the land—a type of the glorified Christ, and God stopped sending them the manna that they had eaten in the wilderness.

Many years later, looking back on their early history, God said, “Israel was holiness to the Lord, the firstfruits of His increase” (Jer. 2:3). In Revelation 2, the Lord sadly reminds the seven churches of the “first love” which they once had but left.

To this people, circumcised, celebrating their deliverance from the bondage of Egypt, and enjoying the produce of the land, the Lord Himself now comes. Joshua approaches this armed Man, asking whether He was for them or for their enemies. There can be no neutrality in the things of the Lord! When this Man identifies Himself as Captain of the army of Jehovah, Joshua calls Him Lord and worships. Seeking direction, he owns himself as His servant and is told he is on holy ground. This is the place for us also!