Circumcision and Passover recall two historic benchmarks in Israel’s relationship with the Lord: the establishing of the covenant (Genesis 15:1–21; Genesis 17:1–27) and the exodus from Egypt (Exodus 12:1–51). By participating in these two ceremonies the new generation visibly demonstrated their allegiance to the Lord. Ritual circumcision and Passover reinforce their national identity as a holy people who serve the holy God.1
2 At that time the LORD said to Joshua, “Make flint knives and circumcise the sons of Israel a second time.”