Topical Encyclopedia Circumcision, as instituted by God, is a significant covenantal sign given to Abraham and his descendants. It serves as a physical mark of the covenant between God and His people, Israel. The neglect of this sacred rite is met with divine displeasure and punishment, as evidenced in several biblical accounts.Biblical Foundation The command for circumcision is first given in Genesis 17:10-14, where God instructs Abraham: "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." The passage further warns, "Any uncircumcised male who has not been circumcised in the flesh will be cut off from his people; he has broken My covenant" (Genesis 17:14). Moses and the Divine Encounter A notable instance of punishment for neglecting circumcision is found in the life of Moses. In Exodus 4:24-26, as Moses is on his way to Egypt to lead the Israelites out of bondage, the Lord confronts him. The text states, "Now at a lodging place along the way, the LORD met Moses and was about to kill him. But Zipporah took a flint knife, cut off her son’s foreskin, and touched it to Moses’ feet. 'Surely you are a bridegroom of blood to me,' she said. So the LORD let him alone" . This incident underscores the seriousness with which God regards the observance of circumcision, even for the leader of His people. The Israelites in the Wilderness Another significant episode occurs during the Israelites' journey in the wilderness. After the exodus from Egypt, the new generation born in the desert had not been circumcised. In Joshua 5:2-9, God commands Joshua to circumcise the sons of Israel at Gibeath-haaraloth. The neglect of circumcision during the wilderness wanderings is rectified before the Israelites enter the Promised Land. The text notes, "And the LORD said to Joshua, 'Today I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you.' So that place has been called Gilgal to this day" (Joshua 5:9). This act of obedience restores the covenantal relationship and prepares the people for the conquest of Canaan. Theological Implications The neglect of circumcision is not merely a failure to perform a ritual; it signifies a breach of the covenant with God. The physical act of circumcision is a profound symbol of spiritual truths, representing the cutting away of sin and the dedication of one's life to God. The punishment for neglecting this rite serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience to God's commands and the maintenance of a holy relationship with Him. Conclusion The biblical accounts of punishment for neglecting circumcision highlight the gravity of this covenantal sign. Through these narratives, the importance of faithfulness to God's commands and the consequences of neglect are vividly illustrated. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 17:14And the uncircumcised man child whose flesh of his foreskin is not circumcised, that soul shall be cut off from his people; he has broken my covenant. Nave's Topical Index Exodus 4:24 Library What Covenant of God the New-Born Babe Breaks. What was the Value ... Homilies on Galatians and Ephesians. Rom. xv. 8 Galatians Chapter V. Index of Subjects. Hymns and Spiritual Songs Thanksgiving to God for the Pardon Granted to the Offenders ... Appeal to the Christian Women of the South Among Snares Index of Subjects. Resources What is circumcision of the heart? | GotQuestions.orgIs baptism the New Covenant equivalent of circumcision? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about circumcision? What is the Christian view of circumcision? | 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) |
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