The biblical text in Joshua 5:2-9 explains that Joshua circumcised the male Israelites after crossing the Jordan River for a few key reasons:
* Generational Disobedience: The generation that left Egypt had died in the wilderness during the 40 years of wandering. During that time, circumcision, a key sign of the covenant between God and Abraham and his descendants, had not been practiced, possibly due to the difficulties of nomadic life and the constant state of war and movement.
* Renewal of the Covenant: Circumcision was a sign of the covenant between God and Abraham. By circumcising the men, Joshua was re-establishing and renewing this covenant relationship with God for the new generation who were about to inherit the Promised Land. This act symbolized their dedication and obedience to God's commands.
* Purification and Preparation: Circumcision was seen as a purifying ritual. Before entering the Promised Land and engaging in warfare to conquer it, the Israelites needed to be ritually clean and consecrated to God. Circumcision was part of that purification process.
* Obedience to God's Command: The passage emphasizes that Joshua was acting under God's direct command to perform the circumcisions. This highlights the importance of obedience to God's instructions as a prerequisite for receiving His blessings and fulfilling His purposes.
* Symbolic Significance: The location of the circumcision at "Gibeath-Haaraloth" (the Hill of the Foreskins) and the subsequent naming of the place as "Gilgal" (rolling or removal) are significant. It symbolically represents God "rolling away" the reproach of Egypt from the Israelites. This could be interpreted as removing the shame of their former slavery and preparing them to enter their new identity as God's chosen people in their own land.