Guiding Questions: Joshua 5

This is part of the Tanakh Yomi Project.

  1. Why is it necessary to provide for a second circumcision operation?
  2. And, how does Joshua 5:2 relate to Joshua 5:4, since the former makes reference to “a second time” and verse 4 would seem to indicate that this would be “the first time”?
  3. Does Joshua 5:5 resolve this tension? Why does the word “brit? not appear in this particular narration?
  4. What is the significance of the phrase “to remove the shame of Egypt from you”? Is this a physiological observation or is it an observation dealing with the relationship of the people, one circumcised to freedom, and independent? Or, to neither?
  5. According to Joshua 5:10-11, how long did the Passover last at this time?
  6. In Joshua 5:13 the action of Joshua would indicate what characteristic?
  7. Why, in Joshua 5:14 is the answer, first, “no”? And, what is “an officer of God’s army”? How does the instruction given to Joshua parallel the instruction given to Mosheh in Exodus?
  8. And what, indeed, is the answer to Joshua’s observation at the end of verse 14: “What does my Lord have to say to His servant?” Other than the instruction to remove the sandals — is there any other communication?
  9. Or is the communication actually set down in Joshua 6:2?

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    Exploring Judaism is the digital home for Conservative/Masorti Judaism, embracing the beauty and complexity of Judaism, and our personal search for meaning, learning, and connecting. Our goal is to create content based on three core framing: Meaning-Making (Why?), Practical Living (How?), and Explainers (What?).

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Perek Yomi materials originally produced by the USCJ and Dr. Morton K. Siegel.
We are grateful to be able to share this material.

Author

  • favicon of exploring judaism logo

    Exploring Judaism is the digital home for Conservative/Masorti Judaism, embracing the beauty and complexity of Judaism, and our personal search for meaning, learning, and connecting. Our goal is to create content based on three core framing: Meaning-Making (Why?), Practical Living (How?), and Explainers (What?).

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