Topical Encyclopedia Circumcision, a covenantal sign given by God to Abraham and his descendants, holds significant religious and cultural importance within the biblical narrative. It is primarily known as a rite of initiation into the Abrahamic covenant, as described in Genesis 17:10-14. However, the practice of circumcision extends beyond its religious significance and is occasionally depicted in the Bible as a posthumous act performed on slain enemies.One of the most notable instances of this practice is found in the account of David and Goliath. After David's victory over the Philistine giant, he is promised the hand of King Saul's daughter, Michal, in marriage. As a bride price, Saul demands an unusual dowry: the foreskins of one hundred Philistines. This demand is recorded in 1 Samuel 18:25, where Saul's intention is to place David in harm's way, hoping the Philistines would kill him. David, however, exceeds Saul's expectations by killing two hundred Philistines and presenting their foreskins to the king, thus fulfilling the requirement and securing his marriage to Michal (1 Samuel 18:27). This act of collecting foreskins from slain enemies serves multiple purposes within the narrative. Firstly, it acts as a tangible proof of David's military prowess and loyalty to Saul. Secondly, it symbolizes the humiliation and defeat of the Philistines, as circumcision was a sign of the covenant between God and Israel, marking the Philistines as outsiders to this divine relationship. Lastly, it underscores the tension and rivalry between David and Saul, as Saul's demand was intended to be a deadly trap rather than a mere bridal price. The practice of circumcising slain enemies is not widely documented in the biblical text, suggesting it was not a common or standard practice. However, its inclusion in the narrative of David highlights the complex interplay of religious symbolism, political maneuvering, and personal vendettas that characterize much of the historical books of the Old Testament. In the broader context of biblical theology, the act of circumcising enemies posthumously can be seen as a stark reminder of the covenantal identity of Israel and the distinct separation between God's chosen people and the surrounding nations. It serves as a narrative device to emphasize the triumph of God's people over their adversaries and the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises to Israel through the lineage of David. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Samuel 18:25-27And Saul said, Thus shall you say to David, The king desires not any dowry, but an hundred foreskins of the Philistines, to be avenged of the king's enemies. But Saul thought to make David fall by the hand of the Philistines. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Samuel 3:14 Library Psalm CVI. Perpetuity Manner of Covenanting. Covenanting Enforced by the Grant of Covenant Signs and Seals. Concerning Justification. Covenanting According to the Purposes of God. Book ii. Homilies on Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians. Sanctification. CHAP. I. -II. 3 (II. 1). 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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