Reading for September 28th

Read Joshua 5.1-12
In 5.1-12: A new start in a new land.
In verse 1: Enemy fear repeats Rahab's observations (2.9-11) and will motivate enemy strategy (9.1-2; 10.1-5; 11.1-5).
In verse 2: The use of flint knives demonstrates the conservatism of ritual.
Israel's circumcised generation had died in the wilderness.
Circumcision a second time applies to the men of the post-exodus generation.
In verse 3: Apparently this explains the name of a hill near Gilgal.
In verse 9: The disgrace of Egypt may refer to Israel's former status as slaves or insults suffered from the Egyptians.
Probably Gilgal originally referred to a circle of stones, but here it is explained by reference to Joshua's circumcision.
In verses 11-12: The end of manna coordinates with the first Passover in the land.
It signifies that Israel has moved from the wilderness into an agriculturally productive land.
Unleavened cakes and parched grain could be prepared quickly and would be appropriate foods for the first day of this new situation.
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