This chapter is very much about a new start. Circumcision was a sign of the cutting away of sin and the Lord’s cleansing. This had not happened to the people of Israel during the 40 years in the wilderness, probably as a reminder that they had been a disobedient people in not entering the Promised Land when they first had been told (v4-7).

Now that they had entered the Promised Land, all the males were circumcised at the Lord’s command (v2-3). Circumcision was a sign of the covenant made to Abraham (Genesis 17 v1-4). In this covenant commits Himself to Abraham’s descendants and they in return by taking the sign of circumcision are committing themselves to the Lord.

By being circumcised at Gilgal the people were freshly committing themselves to a new life of obedience to the lord and of turning away of sin.

Having been circumcised the people then celebrated the Passover (v10-12). The people were remembering the wonderful way in which God had delivered them from Egypt. In entering the Promised Land, the people’s first priority was worship and being right with the Lord. This must be ours as well.