Verse 2 circumcision Circumcision is the "sign" of the Abrahamic Covenant Genesis 17:7-14; Romans 4:11. "The reproach of Egypt" was that, during the later years of the Egyptian bondage, this separating sign had been neglected (cf. Exodus 4:24-26 and this neglect had continued during the wilderness wanderings. The N.T. analogue is world conformity; the failure openly to take a believer's place with Christ in death and resurrection. ; Romans 6:2-11; Galatians 6:14-16. Spiritually it is mortifying the deeds of the body through the Spirit. ; Romans 8:13; Galatians 5:16,17; Colossians 2:11,12; 3:5-10. Verse 11 corn The manna is a type of Christ in humiliation, known "after the flesh," giving his flesh that the believer might have life John 6:49-51 while the "old corn of the land" is Christ apprehended as risen, glorified, and seated in the heavenlies. Occupation with Christ on earth, "crucified through weakness," tends to a wilderness experience. An experience befitting the believer's place in the heavenlies demands an apprehension of the power of His resurrection ; 2 Corinthians 5:16; 13:4; Philippians 3:10; Ephesians 1:15-23. It is the contrast between "milk" and "meat" in Paul's writings. ; 1 Corinthians 3:1,2; Hebrews 5:12-14; 6:1-3. Verse 15 holy Trans. "consecrated," Joshua 6:19 in R.V. "holy."