Topical Encyclopedia Circumcision, a significant rite in the Abrahamic covenant, is a practice that holds profound theological and cultural importance within the Judeo-Christian tradition. According to the Scriptures, circumcision was to be performed on the eighth day after a male child's birth, a commandment that underscores its covenantal significance and divine ordinance.Biblical Foundation The practice of circumcision on the eighth day is first established in the covenant God made with Abraham. In Genesis 17:12 , God commands, "Throughout your generations, every male among you shall be circumcised at eight days old, including those born in your household or purchased from a foreigner who is not your offspring." This directive is not merely a cultural custom but a divine mandate, signifying the child's inclusion in the covenant community of Israel. The importance of the eighth day is reiterated in the Mosaic Law. Leviticus 12:3 states, "And on the eighth day, the flesh of the boy’s foreskin is to be circumcised." This commandment is part of the purification laws given to the Israelites, further embedding the practice within the religious life of the community. Theological Significance The timing of circumcision on the eighth day carries theological weight. The number eight in biblical numerology often symbolizes new beginnings and resurrection. Thus, circumcision on the eighth day can be seen as a sign of the new life and identity bestowed upon the child as a member of God's covenant people. It marks the child's entry into a life set apart for God, a life that is to be lived in accordance with His statutes and promises. Moreover, the eighth day circumcision prefigures the New Testament understanding of spiritual circumcision. In Colossians 2:11-12 , the Apostle Paul writes, "In Him you were also circumcised, in the putting off of your sinful nature, with the circumcision performed by Christ and not by human hands. And having been buried with Him in baptism, you were raised with Him through your faith in the power of God, who raised Him from the dead." Here, physical circumcision is seen as a precursor to the spiritual transformation that occurs through faith in Christ. Cultural and Religious Observance In Jewish tradition, the circumcision ceremony, known as the "brit milah," is a significant religious event. It is often accompanied by a celebration, reflecting the joy of welcoming a new member into the covenant community. The ceremony is typically performed by a mohel, a person trained in the religious and medical aspects of circumcision. The observance of circumcision on the eighth day is a testament to the enduring nature of God's covenant with His people. It serves as a physical reminder of the promises made to Abraham and his descendants, a sign of faithfulness that transcends generations. New Testament Context In the New Testament, Jesus Himself was circumcised on the eighth day, as recorded in Luke 2:21 : "On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the Child, He was named Jesus, the name the angel had given Him before He had been conceived." This act underscores Jesus' fulfillment of the Law and His identification with the people of Israel. While the early Church grappled with the necessity of circumcision for Gentile converts, as seen in Acts 15, the practice on the eighth day remains a significant aspect of understanding the continuity and fulfillment of God's covenantal promises through Christ. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 17:12And he that is eight days old shall be circumcised among you, every man child in your generations, he that is born in the house, or bought with money of any stranger, which is not of your seed. Torrey's Topical Textbook Leviticus 12:3 Library Whether the Rite of Circumcision was Fitting? Although the Jews, Then, Pride Themselves on Circumcision, they ... Jesus in the Temple. Moral Depravity. Philippians iii. 3-Jan Baptism. In the Temple at the Feast of Tabernacles. Apostles To-Day? P??dobaptism. Its Accordance with the Institution of Christ, and ... Acts XXI Resources Why do some cultures practice female genital mutilation (FGM)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the bodily discharges mentioned in Leviticus 15, and why did they make a person unclean? | GotQuestions.org Summary of the Book of Colossians - Bible Survey | 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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