Topical Bible: Circumcision: The Jews: Denominated By

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Topical Encyclopedia

Circumcision holds a significant place within the Jewish tradition, serving as a physical sign of the covenant between God and Abraham, and by extension, his descendants. This practice is deeply rooted in the Hebrew Scriptures and is a defining characteristic of Jewish identity and religious observance.

Biblical Foundation

The origin of circumcision as a covenantal sign is found in Genesis 17:10-14, where God commands Abraham to circumcise every male in his household as a perpetual sign of the covenant: "This is My covenant with you and your descendants after you, which you are to keep: Every male among you must be circumcised" (Genesis 17:10). This act was to be performed on the eighth day after birth, symbolizing the Jewish people's unique relationship with God.

Covenantal Significance

Circumcision is not merely a physical act but a profound spiritual symbol. It represents the Jewish people's commitment to God and His laws. In the context of the covenant, it signifies a life set apart for holiness and obedience to God's commandments. The act of circumcision is a reminder of the promises made to Abraham and the responsibilities that come with being God's chosen people.

Denomination by Circumcision

Throughout the Scriptures, circumcision is used to denote the Jewish people, distinguishing them from other nations. In the New Testament, the term "the circumcision" is often employed to refer to the Jews. For instance, in Galatians 2:7-9, Paul speaks of his mission to the Gentiles and Peter's mission to "the circumcised" (Galatians 2:9), highlighting the distinction between Jews and Gentiles in the early Christian community.

Cultural and Religious Identity

Circumcision is a critical marker of Jewish identity, both culturally and religiously. It is a rite that has been observed by Jewish communities throughout history, maintaining its significance as a symbol of faithfulness to the covenant. The practice is a testament to the enduring nature of the Jewish people's relationship with God, as established through Abraham.

Theological Implications

In the broader theological context, circumcision is also discussed in terms of its spiritual implications. The prophets and later New Testament writings emphasize the importance of a "circumcised heart," suggesting that true devotion to God goes beyond physical rituals to encompass inner transformation and obedience. Deuteronomy 10:16 calls the Israelites to "circumcise your hearts, therefore, and stiffen your necks no more" , indicating that the physical act should reflect an inward spiritual reality.

Conclusion

Circumcision remains a vital aspect of Jewish religious life, symbolizing the covenantal relationship between God and His people. It serves as a physical and spiritual marker, denoting the Jewish community's unique identity and their commitment to living according to God's commandments. Through the practice of circumcision, the Jewish people are continually reminded of their heritage and the divine promises made to their forefathers.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 10:45
And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Galatians 2:9
And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given to me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go to the heathen, and they to the circumcision.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Concerning Mania, the Phylarch of the Saracens. When the Treaty ...
... towards the source of the Nile, and which are generally denominated Arabia ... Such being
their origin, they practice circumcision like the Jews, refrain from ...
/.../chapter xxxviii concerning mania the phylarch.htm

The Opinions
... ancient Jews explained the day which they denominated the day ... The Jews shall be led
captive into all nations ... shall come to pass, that the circumcision and the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mede/a key to the apocalypse/the opinions.htm

Concerning Baptism.
... Spirit baptized, neither will they have them so denominated, unless they ... badge to
distinguish Christians from Infidels, even as circumcision did the Jews. ...
/.../proposition xii concerning baptism.htm

Book 8 Footnotes
... did thereupon think they had learned that circumcision in Egypt ... acquainted with the
affairs of the Jews; for as ... This may be that city so denominated from Abel ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 8 footnotes.htm

Thoughts Upon the Mystery of the Trinity.
... sealed to them, as it was all along by Circumcision. ... are the Children; if the Parents
be Jews, so are ... Disciple, the Children of both are denominated from the ...
/.../private thoughts upon a christian life/thoughts upon the mystery of.htm

The Preface of the Book, in which He Investigates The
... of their nation and of the circumcision, was accounted ... to Himself both Greeks and
Jews, who continued to ... and originators of what is denominated monachism, and ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of sozomenus/chapter i the preface of the.htm

The Antichrist Will be a Jew
... here given, in that he is expressly denominated "thou, profane ... of the "uncircumcised"
because he belonged to the Circumcision! ... The Jews will be deceived by Him ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/i the antichrist will be.htm

The Papacy not the Antichrist
... Antichrist will assume circumcision, asserting himself to be the ... his seven-years'
Covenant with the Jews at the ... by a second Beast who is denominated "the False ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/the papacy not the antichrist.htm

Mahometans.
... with washings, alms, fasting, pilgrimage to Mecca, and circumcision. ... Ladha, they
assign to the Jews; the third ... or the Grecian Patriarch, is denominated the Mufti ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hayward/the book of religions/mahometans.htm

The Formation and Order of the Primitive Church.
... as both had formerly received the seal of circumcision. ... The converted Jews had undergone
a very sudden ... that institution, the whole being denominated from a part ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture iii the formation and.htm