This passage is about preparation—God's people are preparing before they rush ahead into the promised land. God has set them aside and marked them with the sign of the covenant, but a vitally important factor is that the people obediently and thoughtfully prepare for their next steps. This should be a tremendous encouragement to us: God has plans for us, for our children, and for our church. He has set us aside and promised to never leave nor forsake us. We should be eager to see what God would have of us. My prayer as we work through this passage is that we would be careful in our preparation—examining what God has called us to, evaluating our next steps, and encouraging one another to faithful obedience to the Lord.