Now all the people that came out were circumcised: but all the people that were born in the wilderness by the way as they came forth out of Egypt, them they had not circumcised.
The Canaanite kings had held their nerve until now, trusting their fortified cities and populated lands to hold the invaders at bay. But when word came that Israel had crossed Jordan by miracle, not by force, their hearts melted like wax; the God of nature Himself fought for this people, and all their courage evaporated.
AI summary
Commenting on Joshua 5:1-9
Now all the people that came out were circumcised,.... All that came out of Egypt, and males, were circumcised, whether under or above twenty years of age; for though it is possible all were circumcised before they came out of Egypt, which favours the opinion of Dr.
Stone knives, not metal ones, though iron was known to the Hebrews by Joshua's time; flint was probably chosen because they lacked sufficient metal implements for so vast a people. The 'second time' does not require repeating the rite on those already circumcised, but resuming what had long been discontinued.
AI summary
Commenting on Joshua 5:2-12