There are two major events in this chapter that symbolize the old passing away and new beginnings for Israel. The first event is circumcising the new generation – the old generation from Egypt, who have all passed away, were circumcised, yet the new generation had not been. The second event is this:
“While the people of Israel were encamped at Gilgal, they kept the Passover on the fourteenth day of the month in the evening on the plains of Jericho. And the day after the Passover, on that very day, they ate of the produce of the land, unleavened cakes and parched grain. And the manna ceased the day after they ate of the produce of the land. And there was no longer manna for the people of Israel, but they ate of the fruit of the land of Canaan that year.” (v10-12)
Not only has the original generation of Israelites passed away, but now finally the bread of their affliction (manna) which they have eaten for nearly 42 years has been replaced by produce from their new land. Manna, though a magnificent gift from God, probably got a little tiresome after all of those years. It was a temporary measure (is 40 years temporary?), and is finally replaced by what God wanted the people to have all those years ago.
I am saddened when I think about how much the people lost because they didn’t listen to God – not only did they lose 40 years in the Promised Land, they lost their parents and their childhoods. God wanted to bless them with the produce of the Promised Land 40 years earlier, without the entire nation having to die off and raise the next generation as a tribe of desert nomads, but the people disobeyed and suffered dire consequences.
I encourage us today to listen and obey the Lord’s leading in our lives. Whether He’s prompting us to do something “small” (perhaps hug a friend who needs it) or to do something “large” (perhaps start/join a ministry team) – it’s best that we obey Him. Not only may we receive some sort of blessing, more importantly we won’t prevent someone else from receiving God’s blessing. Israel suffered incalculable losses for their disobedience – let’s obey God the first time around and hopefully prevent those around us from suffering the consequences of our disobedience.
Father God, our Lord and Savior, holy is Your name. We worship and adore You, O King of Israel. Thank you for giving us second, third, and seventy-third chances to obey You. Thank you for Your boundless grace and mercy. Thank you for putting mentors and guides in our lives to help us remain steadfast and obedient to You. Thank you for sending Your Holy Spirit to guide and provide for us. Jesus, please show us the path of obedience, so those around us may experience the blessings and glory of God. Amen.
~ Conqueror in Training