Joshua seems to hold up the second generation as a general example to be followed. In their actions at Gilgal we see an example of the obedience that comes from the faith that God the Holy Spirit produces in the lives of his people. This is shown to us in two actions.
Their circumcision:
The vast majority of men in this second generation would be circumcised as adults. With no anaesthetic and flint knives, they were in for a very painful experience. In fact, they would be rendered incapacitated for a number of days after the procedure. The fact that the whole nation was circumcised (Joshua 5:8) is a testimony to their willingness to go through pain in order to obey God.
The faith of this generation is also seen in their willingness to be circumcised even though they are on the front lines of battle. The city of Jericho is not far away. If the Canaanites come with their army now, Israel will be sitting ducks. Back in Genesis 34:1–31 we read that just two men, Simeon and Levi, plundered and killed the inhabitants of an entire city when the people of this city were busy recovering from circumcision. With their circumcision, this generation practically demonstrated their trust in the Lord to protect them from the Canaanites.
The Passover celebration:
The celebration of Passover also contains a testimony to the faith of this second generation. The details of the fourteenth day of the month and the unleavened cakes are there to tell us that these Israelites celebrated the Passover exactly as they were commanded to. Because they believed in the Lord, they were eager to obey him.
1 As soon as all the kings of the Amorites who were beyond the Jordan to the west, and all the kings of the Canaanites who were by the sea, heard that the LORD had dried up the waters of the Jordan for the people of Israel until they had crossed over, their hearts melted and there was no longer any spirit in them because of the people of Israel.