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renew that rite in their case was the first necessity, so as to restore Israel to its full
position as the covenant-people of God.^75
After that, a privilege awaited Israel which for thirty-eight years they had not enjoyed.
Probably the Passover at the foot of Sinai (Numbers 9:1) had been the last, as that feast
would not have been observed by the people in their uncircumcision. But at Gilgal their
reproach was "rolled away," and the people of God renewed the festive remembrance of
their deliverance from Egypt. Truly, that first Passover on the soil of Palestine had a
twofold meaning. Even the circumstances recalled its first celebration. As the night of
the first Passover was one of terror and judgment to Egypt, so now, within view of the
festive camp of Gilgal,
"Jericho was straitly shut up because of the children of Israel: none went out, and none
came in" (Joshua 6:1).
And now also the Divine wilderness-provision of the "manna which had clung to them
with the tenacity of all God's mercies," ceased on, "the morrow 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 fruits of the land of Canaan that year." And so also have miraculous gifts
ceased in the Church, because their continuance has become unnecessary. Similarly will
our manna-provision for daily life-need cease, when we at the last enter upon the land
of promise, and for ever enjoy its fruits! (^)