5:4-8
We now get an explanation of why the situation had come about. All the men of military age who had come out of Egypt had died in the desert (Joshua and Caleb were exceptions to this). The people born in the wilderness had not been circumcised. Emphasis is put on the judgement on the disobedient people, their refusal to trust the Lord was the reason that they died in the wilderness. Yet God had promised to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, that He would give the Promised Land to a future generation, and that promise still stood. So God raised up a new generation, and this generation was circumcised. 5:8 adds a very practical note, they had to wait a while until they were all hailed from the operation. There is an interesting point here. God had made a promise, the Exodus generation failed to see the fulfilment of the promise because of their unfaithfulness. Yet the promise still stood. There are those who see Israel as having no further special part in God’s plans. I do not think such a view is consistent with the revelation in the Bible. There are numerous promises to the nation of Israel, and then there is Romans 9-11.
5:9
The place where the mass circumcision occurred was called Gilgal, which means “roll”. The reproach of Egypt had been rolled away. There is some relationship between baptism and circumcision, but there are differences as well. Baptism is, amongst other things, a sign that our sins are forgiven, our reproach has been rolled away. We are no longer under judgement.
No comments:
Post a Comment