Why did Joshua circumcise the male israelites after crossing Jordan river?

Answer 1

First of all, it was before they crossed the Jordan, not after. The males born during the

forty years in the wilderness had not been circumcised, because at every moment during

the entire forty years, the nation was either traveling or else ready for the signal telling

them to pick up and get going, which would have been hazardous for newly-circumcised

infants.

It had to be done, however, before they set foot in Canaan, because entering this land

promised to their forefathers, i.e. Israel, is a thing much different from stepping over the

border between Delaware and Maryland, or from Texas into Mexico, and the nation had to

be spiritually prepared and committed to their mission, before they could be worthy to

pursue the conquest of the land, let alone to inherit it as a possession. An uncircumcised

male simply doesn't qualify.

Also, there were sacrifices that needed to be brought and couldn't be until they were circumcised. Circumcision is a requirement to bring offerings.