Topical Encyclopedia The circumcision of Abraham is a significant event in the biblical narrative, marking the establishment of the covenant between God and Abraham, which is foundational to the identity and faith of the Israelite people. This event is primarily recorded in Genesis 17, where God commands Abraham to undergo circumcision as a sign of the covenant.Biblical Account In Genesis 17, God appears to Abram when he is ninety-nine years old and reaffirms His covenant with him. God changes Abram's name to Abraham, meaning "father of many nations," and promises that he will be exceedingly fruitful, making nations and kings come from him. The covenant is not only with Abraham but also with his descendants throughout their generations. As a sign of this everlasting covenant, God commands Abraham and every male in his household to be circumcised. Genesis 17:10-11 states: "This is My covenant with you and your descendants after you, which you are to keep: Every male among you must be circumcised. You are to undergo circumcision, and it will be the sign of the covenant between Me and you." Abraham obeys God's command immediately. Genesis 17:23-24 records: "On that very day Abraham took his son Ishmael and all those born in his household or purchased with his money—every male among the members of Abraham’s household—and he circumcised them, as God had told him. Abraham was ninety-nine years old when he was circumcised." Theological Significance The act of circumcision is deeply symbolic, representing the physical and spiritual separation of Abraham's descendants from other peoples. It signifies their unique relationship with God and their commitment to His covenant. Circumcision becomes a defining mark of the Jewish people, a practice that is observed throughout the generations as a sign of their covenantal identity. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul discusses circumcision in the context of faith and righteousness. In Romans 4:11 , Paul explains that Abraham "received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised." This highlights that the physical act of circumcision was a sign of the faith and righteousness that Abraham already possessed. Cultural and Historical Context Circumcision was not unique to the Israelites; it was practiced by various ancient Near Eastern cultures. However, for Abraham and his descendants, it took on a distinct theological meaning as a sign of the covenant with God. This practice set the Israelites apart from other nations and was a constant reminder of their special relationship with God. Legacy and Influence The circumcision of Abraham has had a lasting impact on Jewish identity and religious practice. It is a rite that continues to be observed by Jewish communities around the world. In Christianity, while physical circumcision is not required, the concept of a "circumcision of the heart" is emphasized, symbolizing a spiritual transformation and commitment to God. The narrative of Abraham's circumcision underscores themes of obedience, faith, and covenant, which are central to the biblical account and the understanding of God's relationship with His people. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 17:10-14,23-27This is my covenant, which you shall keep, between me and you and your seed after you; Every man child among you shall be circumcised. Nave's Topical Index Greek 2487. ichnos -- a track ... of circumcision to those who not only are of the circumcision, but who also follow in the (2487) of the (principle of) (4102 ) of our father Abraham which he ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2487.htm - 7k Library Consecration to God --Illustrated by Abraham's Circumcision By the Circumcision of Abraham, Marriage with Sisters Forbidden ... Circumcision Unknown Before Abraham. Whether Circumcision was Instituted in a Fitting Manner? The Case of Abraham, and Its Bearing on the Present Question. After This, Celsus, Without Condemning Circumcision as Practised ... Both Covenants were Prefigured in Abraham, and in the Labour of ... Concerning the Circumcision. The Spiritual Meaning of Circumcision. Perfect Righteousness was Conferred Neither by Circumcision nor by ... Resources How old was Abraham when he died? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did God command Abraham to sacrifice Isaac? | GotQuestions.org How many sons did Abraham have? | GotQuestions.org Abraham: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Abraham is Blessed by Melchizedek Abraham: Age of, at Different Periods Abraham: Ancestors of, Idolatrous Abraham: Deferring to Lot, Chooses Hebron Abraham: He Purchases a Place for Her Burial, and Buries Her in a Cave Abraham: His Questions About the Destruction of the Righteous and Wicked in Sodom Abraham: How Regarded by his Descendants Abraham: Independence of, in Character Abraham: Lives in Gerar; Deceives Abimelech Concerning Sarah, his Wife Abraham: Lives in Ur, But Removes to Haran Abraham: Provides a Wife for Isaac Abraham: Sarah, his Wife, Dies Abraham: Sends Hagar and Ishmael Away Abraham: Trial of his Faith in the offering of Isaac Abraham: Witnesses the Destruction of Sodom Miscegenation: Forbidden by Abraham Related Terms Burnt-offering (205 Occurrences) |
    |