Despite the fact that the Israelites are now camping right by Jericho, further spiritual preparation is necessary before they will be ready to battle the indigenous population and take possession of the land. Such preparation is reported in 5:2–15. The first thing Israel is required to do is to circumcise all their men (5:2–9). The command of the Lord and Joshua’s obedience are reported in 5:2–3. Note that the word “again” in 5:2 does not necessarily mean that Joshua has already circumcised some of the men but simply that circumcision was performed before Israel left Egypt and must now be performed once again (cf. 5:4–7). The name of the place where the Israelites are circumcised, Gibeath Haaraloth (5:3), literally means “hill of foreskins.” The name must have been given after the event t…