Topical Bible: Circumcision: Neglected

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Circumcision, the physical sign of the covenant between God and Abraham, holds significant theological and cultural importance in the biblical narrative. The practice, as commanded in Genesis 17:10-14, was to be a perpetual sign of the covenant, with every male among Abraham's descendants to be circumcised on the eighth day. However, there are instances in Scripture where this command was neglected, leading to spiritual and communal consequences.

Biblical Instances of Neglect

1. The Wilderness Generation: One of the most notable instances of neglect occurred during the Israelites' 40-year journey in the wilderness. Joshua 5:4-7 recounts that the generation born in the wilderness had not been circumcised. This neglect was rectified by Joshua before the Israelites entered the Promised Land, as God commanded him to circumcise the sons of Israel at Gibeath-haaraloth. This act was necessary to renew the covenant and prepare the people spiritually for the conquest of Canaan.

2. Moses' Son: Another significant episode is found in Exodus 4:24-26, where God sought to kill Moses because his son was not circumcised. Zipporah, Moses' wife, intervened by circumcising their son, thus averting divine wrath. This incident underscores the seriousness with which God regarded the covenant sign and the necessity of obedience to His commands.

Theological Implications

Neglecting circumcision in the Old Testament context was more than a mere oversight; it represented a breach of the covenant relationship with God. Circumcision was a physical manifestation of a deeper spiritual reality, symbolizing the need for purity and dedication to God. Deuteronomy 10:16 and Jeremiah 4:4 speak of the need for a "circumcision of the heart," indicating that the physical act was meant to reflect an inward spiritual truth.

New Testament Perspective

In the New Testament, the issue of circumcision becomes a point of contention, particularly in the early church. The Jerusalem Council in Acts 15 addressed whether Gentile converts to Christianity were required to be circumcised. The council concluded that circumcision was not necessary for salvation, emphasizing faith in Jesus Christ as the true mark of the covenant. Paul further elaborates on this in Galatians 5:6, stating, "For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. All that matters is faith, expressed through love."

Spiritual Lessons

The neglect of circumcision in the biblical narrative serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience to God's commands and the need for a heart aligned with His will. While the physical act is no longer required under the New Covenant, the principle of a heart dedicated to God remains central. Romans 2:29 highlights this truth: "But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code."

In summary, the neglect of circumcision in the biblical context underscores the broader theme of covenant faithfulness and the call to a sincere, obedient relationship with God.

Nave's Topical Index

Joshua 5:7
And their children, whom he raised up in their stead, them Joshua circumcised: for they were uncircumcised, because they had not circumcised them by the way.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Consecration to God --Illustrated by Abraham's Circumcision
... regard to circumcision, that it was peremptorily ordained that it should be practised
on every male of the race of Abraham, and if it were neglected, death ...
/.../spurgeons sermons volume 14 1868/consecration to godillustrated by abrahams.htm

Moral Depravity.
... The fact, that circumcision was required on the eighth day, and not before, seems ...
for the reasons already assigned, but to prevent its being neglected too long ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture xxiv moral depravity.htm

Galatians Chapter ii.
... The question did not concern Jews, who were already circumcised in infancy except
in cases like that of Timothy where circumcision had been neglected. ...
/.../galatians chapter ii.htm

Baptism.
... that circumcision which is in the flesh, but that spiritual circumcision which Enoch ...
infant baptism on such grounds, he would not have neglected his opportunity ...
//christianbookshelf.org/killen/the ancient church/chapter ii baptism.htm

His Great Controversy
... themselves to Peter's conduct in this single case, they neglected to extract ... they
went, he admitted heathens into the Christian Church without circumcision. ...
/.../stalker/the life of st paul/chapter ix his great controversy.htm

Article xiii (vii): of the Number and Use of the Sacraments.
... and ceremonies instituted in the Scriptures, whatever the number, be not neglected. ...
denies, Rom.4, 9, that Abraham was justified by circumcision, but asserts ...
/.../the apology of the augsburg confession/part 18 article xiii vii .htm

Third Sunday Before Lent
... All else must be neglected and attention centered upon the contest alone. ... Again,
he gave Abraham a promise, with the sign of circumcision. ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol ii/third sunday before lent.htm

Galatians Chapter vi.
... And so does the rich man who neglected Lazarus (Luke 16:19.) for he, being ... with acts
wherein he had no part, and being reported to preach Circumcision yet to ...
/.../galatians chapter vi.htm

Christian Baptism.
... That baptism is greatly abused and neglected, none will deny. It is ... baptism.
In this we have an example from Jewish circumcision. The ...
/.../philips/the christian home/chapter xi christian baptism.htm

Ten Reasons Demonstrating the Commandment of the Sabbath to be ...
... is neglected or overthrown, when the Sabbath is either neglected or transgressed ...
pass over without admiration, how the sacrament of circumcision continued in ...
/.../bayly/the practice of piety/ten reasons demonstrating the commandment.htm