Definition: And their children, [whom] he raised up in their stead, them Joshua circumcised: for they were uncircumcised, because they had not circumcised them by the way.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Joshua 5:7. It’s a really important and somewhat surprising part of the story of Israel’s victory over the Amalekites. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: After the battle with the Amaleks, Joshua decided to re-establish a covenant with the people. He wasn't just going to let them go – he was going to re-establish their relationship with God through a specific process. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And their children, [whom] he raised up in their stead…” This means Joshua took the leadership and responsibility of the people back into his hands. He was essentially taking over as the head of Israel. “…them Joshua circumcised: for they were uncircumcised…” This is the key part. “Circumcision” was a significant religious act in Judaism, marking a covenant with God and signifying a spiritual commitment to follow his laws. Joshua’s people were uncircumcised. “because they had not circumcised them by the way.” This is where it gets interesting. He wasn't just re-introducing circumcision – he was reversing it. He took the action of making the people circumcise again, but this time, he didn’t do it in a formal ritual. So, what does this all mean? It suggests that some Israelites had been left out of the covenant tradition. They weren't part of the original group designated for blessing and leadership by God. Joshua took action to bring them back into the fold – they were re-circumcised as a sign of their renewed relationship with him and with God. In short, it’s about restoring a broken promise and reaffirming the covenant through a new act. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Connect this story to a bigger theme in the Bible (like faithfulness, forgiveness, or identity)?