| Summary: | Biblical covenants were often accompanied by signs, e.g. a rainbow (Gen 9:12–17), blood of young bulls (Exod 24:3–8) or bread and wine (Luke 22:19–20). The external sign of the covenant God made with Abraham was circumcision (Gen 17:9–14). This rite was neglected during a forty-year journey through the desert. However, after crossing Jordan, Yahweh applied for this sign. Just as physical circumcision was a condition of taking possession of the Promised Land, circumcision of the heart was a condition of keeping this land in the hands of the Israelites and guaranteed security and prosperity. This article presents a detailed analysis of the pericope of Josh 5:2–9, which speaks about circumcision in Gilgal and the renewal of the chosen people’s relationship with God.
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