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From Eternity Past
When the tidings that God had stayed the waters of Jordan before
the children of Israel reached the kings of the Amorites and Canaanites,
their hearts melted with fear. To the Canaanites, to all Israel, and to
Joshua himself, unmistakable evidence had been given that the living
God, the King of heaven and earth, was among His people. He would
not fail them nor forsake them.
A short distance from Jordan the Hebrews made their first encamp-
ment in Canaan. The suspension of the rite of circumcision and the
discontinuance of the Passover had been an evidence of the Lord’s
displeasure at their desire to return to the land of bondage. Now, how-
ever, the years of rejection were ended. The sign of the covenant was
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restored. The rite of circumcision was performed upon all the people
who had been born in the wilderness. And the Lord declared to Joshua,
“This day have I rolled away the reproach of Egypt from off you.”
Heathen nations had reproached the Lord and His people because
the Hebrews had failed to take possession of Canaan soon after leaving
Egypt. Their enemies had triumphed because Israel had wandered
so long in the wilderness, and they had mockingly declared that the
God of the Hebrews was not able to bring them into the Promised
Land. The Lord had now signally manifested His power and favor
in opening the Jordan before His people, and their enemies could no
longer reproach them.
The Passover was celebrated, “and the manna ceased on the mor-
row after they had eaten of the old corn of the land; neither had the
children of Israel manna any more; but they did eat of the fruit of the
land of Canaan.” The long years of their desert wanderings were ended.
The feet of Israel were at last treading the Promised Land.
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