Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 3
Joshua reinstates circumcision, celebrates Passover, and only then engages Jericho; what do these covenant signs *before* battle imply about early Israel (and early Christian) assumptions regarding holiness, identity, and readiness for spiritual conflict?
Another way to ask: Joshua restores circumcision and celebrates Passover before fighting Jericho. What does that show about how Israel (and early Christians) viewed holiness and being ready for spiritual battles?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
Based on the speaker’s review, Israel assumed covenant identity and holiness had to be established before conflict; spiritual preparation came before military engagement. The speaker also implies Christians should see covenant signs as shaping who we are so we are ready to face enemies.
- Before battles, “*Joshua reinstates circumcision, the sign of the covenant*,” which the speaker calls “*a type of baptism*” and says it “*removed the disgrace of Egypt.*”
- The people “*celebrate the Feast of the Passover,*” which he calls “*a shadow of the death of Christ in the communion that we partake of today.*”
- He stresses: “*Very important details that were taken care of before any battles took place.*”
- Jericho becomes the example where “*total victory*” comes “*through faith and obedience.*”
- He sees covenant belonging as central: being God’s people is what enables conquest, not clever methods.