Topical Encyclopedia Circumcision is a significant rite in the Judeo-Christian tradition, first instituted by God with Abraham as a sign of the covenant between God and His chosen people. This practice is deeply rooted in the narrative of the Hebrew Scriptures and holds theological importance in understanding the relationship between God and His people.Biblical Foundation The institution of circumcision is recorded in Genesis 17, where God establishes His covenant with Abraham. In Genesis 17:10-11 , God commands, "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." This directive marks circumcision as a perpetual sign of the covenant, distinguishing Abraham's descendants as God's chosen people. Theological Significance Circumcision serves as a physical and spiritual symbol of the covenant. It represents the commitment of Abraham and his descendants to follow God and adhere to His commandments. The act of circumcision is not merely a physical procedure but a profound expression of faith and obedience. It signifies the cutting away of the old self and the dedication to a life set apart for God. Abraham's Obedience Abraham's immediate compliance with God's command underscores his faith and obedience. Genesis 17:23 states, "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." This act of obedience is a testament to Abraham's unwavering faith and his role as the father of many nations. Covenantal Implications The covenant of circumcision is not limited to Abraham alone but extends to his descendants, establishing a lasting relationship between God and the people of Israel. It is a sign of God's promises to Abraham, including the promise of numerous descendants and the inheritance of the land of Canaan. The rite of circumcision is a reminder of these divine promises and the responsibilities that come with being God's chosen people. New Testament Perspective In the New Testament, circumcision is reinterpreted in light of the coming of Christ. While the physical act remains a part of Jewish tradition, the Apostle Paul emphasizes the spiritual aspect of circumcision. In Romans 2:29 , Paul writes, "But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter." This highlights the transition from a physical sign to a spiritual reality, where true circumcision is a transformation of the heart through faith in Christ. Cultural and Historical Context In the ancient Near Eastern context, circumcision was not unique to the Israelites, but its significance as a covenantal sign set them apart. It was a rite of passage and a mark of identity, reinforcing the distinctiveness of the Israelite community in their relationship with God. Legacy of Abraham's Covenant The covenant of circumcision established with Abraham continues to hold significance in Jewish and Christian traditions. For Jews, it remains a vital rite of identity and faithfulness to the covenant. For Christians, it serves as a precursor to the new covenant in Christ, where the focus shifts to the circumcision of the heart, symbolizing a life transformed by faith and obedience to God. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 17:23-27And Abraham took Ishmael his son, and all that were born in his house, and all that were bought with his money, every male among the men of Abraham's house; and circumcised the flesh of their foreskin in the selfsame day, as God had said to him. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 21:3,4 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 By the Circumcision of Abraham, Marriage with Sisters Forbidden ... Circumcision Unknown Before Abraham. Consecration to God --Illustrated by Abraham's Circumcision 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. Of God's Attestation to Abraham, by which He Assures Him, when Now ... The Spiritual Meaning of Circumcision. Resources Who was Zipporah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgDoes Romans 2:7 teach works salvation? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about how to get baptized / how to baptize? | GotQuestions.org Circumcision: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Circumcision was Performed by Persons in Authority Circumcision was Performed by the Heads of Families Circumcision was Performed in the Presence of the Family Circumcision was Performed with Knives of Flint Circumcision was Performed: Even on the Sabbath Day Circumcision was Performed: On Males Home-Born and Bought Circumcision was Performed: On the Eighth Day Circumcision without Faith, Vain Circumcision without Obedience, Vain Circumcision: A Designation of Christians Circumcision: A Designation of the Jews Circumcision: A Painful and Bloody Rite Circumcision: A Prerequisite of the Privileges of the Passover Circumcision: A Seal of Righteousness Circumcision: A Seal of the Covenant Circumcision: Abolished by the Gospel Circumcision: Accompanied With Naming the Child Circumcision: Called The: Circumcision in the Flesh Circumcision: Called The: Concision Circumcision: Called The: Covenant of Circumcision Circumcision: Characterized by Paul As a Yoke Circumcision: Child Named at the Time of Circumcision: Covenant Promises of Circumcision: Enforced by the Law Circumcision: First Performed on Abraham and his Family Circumcision: Instituted by God Circumcision: Introductory Jewish Ordinances Circumcision: Israelites at Gilgal Circumcision: John the Baptist Circumcision: Necessary to Enjoying the Privileges of the Jewish State Circumcision: Necessity of, Asserted by False Teachers Circumcision: Necessity of, Denied by Paul Circumcision: Necessity of, Falsely Taught by Judaizing Christians Circumcision: Neglect of, Punished Circumcision: Not Performed in the Wilderness Circumcision: Paul Denounced for Opposing Circumcision: Paul's Argument Against the Continuance of Circumcision: Performed by Joshua at Gilgal Circumcision: Performed on all Males on the Eighth Day Circumcision: Performed on Timothy As a Matter or Expediency Because of The Circumcision: Promises to Abraham Previous To Circumcision: Punishment for Neglecting Circumcision: Purity of Speech Circumcision: Readiness to Hear and Obey Circumcision: Rite of, Observed on the Sabbath Circumcision: Saints the True Spiritual Circumcision: Sometimes Performed on Slain Enemies Circumcision: The Jews: Denominated By Circumcision: The Jews: Despised As Unclean Those not of The Circumcision: The Jews: Held It Unlawful to Intermarry With Those not of The Circumcision: The Jews: Held No Intercourse With Those not of The Circumcision: Trusting To, a Denial of Christ Related Terms Uncircumcision (19 Occurrences) Uncircumcised (48 Occurrences) |
    |