Sacraments for Our Encouragement

With the wilderness behind them (verse 9) and the Promised Land before them (verses 11-12), a significant moment is marked by two symbolic actions: circumcision (verses 2-8), and Passover (verse 10). Circumcision was the sign of the covenant with Abraham (Gen. 17:9-14) and was required for participation in the Passover (Ex.12:48). Circumcision marked the people of promise; the Passover celebrated their redemption from Egypt. Both the promise to Abraham and the redemption from Egypt looked forward to this day of crossing and conquest (Gen.17:8; Ex. 3:8).