Jos 5:4-8 | TNotes | STEP | Summary for Josh 5:4-7: 5:4-7 This unexpected detour in the narrative provides an important reminder of Israel’s earlier refusal to believe that God would bring them safely into the land of Canaan (Num 14 ). This summary of God’s judgment upon their fathers reminded the present generation that trusting in God was still necessary if they were to occupy the land their ancestors had forfeited. Further, it signaled the completion of God’s judgment upon the earlier generation.

bNum 14►

‏ Joshua 5:4-8

Summary for Josh 5:4-7: 5:4-7 ^a This unexpected detour in the narrative provides an important reminder of Israel’s earlier refusal to believe that God would bring them safely into the land of Canaan (Num 14 ^b). This summary of God’s judgment upon their fathers reminded the present generation that trusting in God was still necessary if they were to occupy the land their ancestors had forfeited. Further, it signaled the completion of God’s judgment upon the earlier generation.
5:8 ^c until they were healed: Recovery from circumcision, a relatively minor surgery, usually takes about three days if no complications occur.