Joshua 5:2

Sharp knives. Literally, “knives of stones,” or “flint knives” (RSV). It was probably considered unlawful to use metal of any kind in this religious rite, as perhaps may be implied from Ex. 4:25. Egyptians considered it unlawful or profane to use any kind of metal for making incisions in the human body when preparing it for embalming. In some parts of the world, it is reported, the rite of circumcision is still performed with stone knives.

Circumcise again. This is not to be understood as a command to repeat circumcision on those individuals who had already received it. The command implies only that they were to renew the observance of a rite that had been discontinued during their wilderness travels (PP 406). A “second time” implies that there had been a first time when God ordered the general administration of this rite. It seems that circumcision had not been practiced in Egypt (PP 363), and that possibly in connection with the ratification of the covenant at Sinai (Ex. 24:3-8) this rite, the sign of the covenant (Gen. 17:10, 11; Rom. 4:11), was reinstituted. It has also been suggested that the first time occurred before Israel left Egypt. The Passover was then first observed, and according to instruction given afterward, no uncircumcised male might eat of it (Ex. 12:43-49). Now, upon their entry into Canaan, the Israelites were renewing their covenant with God, and this called them to adopt once more the sign of that covenant. This outward rite was to represent true circumcision of heart (Deut. 30:6; Jer. 4:4; Rom. 2:29). The wilderness had been the scene of distrust, murmuring, and rebellion against God. Now, in obedience to His directions, they were to begin anew a life of faith and obedience.