Topical Bible: The Jews: Circumcised in Token of Their Covenant Relation

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Topical Encyclopedia

Circumcision holds a significant place in the religious and cultural identity of the Jewish people, serving as a physical sign of their covenant relationship with God. This practice, deeply rooted in biblical tradition, is first introduced in the Book of Genesis and is reiterated throughout the Scriptures as a perpetual ordinance for the descendants of Abraham.

Biblical Foundation

The origin of circumcision as a covenantal sign is found in Genesis 17, where God establishes His covenant with Abraham. In Genesis 17:10-11 , God commands, "This is My covenant, which you are to keep, between Me and you and your descendants after you: 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." This directive marks circumcision as an essential and enduring symbol of the Jewish people's unique relationship with God.

Covenantal Significance

Circumcision is not merely a physical act but a profound spiritual symbol. It signifies the Jewish people's commitment to God and His laws, setting them apart from other nations. The act of circumcision is a tangible expression of faith and obedience, reflecting the inner spiritual reality of being part of God's chosen people. In Genesis 17:13 , God emphasizes the everlasting nature of this covenant: "My covenant in your flesh is to be an everlasting covenant."

Ritual Practice

The practice of circumcision is traditionally performed on the eighth day after a male child's birth, as commanded in Leviticus 12:3 : "On the eighth day, the flesh of the boy’s foreskin is to be circumcised." This timing underscores the importance of the rite, integrating the child into the covenant community from the earliest possible moment. The eighth day is significant, symbolizing a new beginning and completeness in biblical numerology.

Historical Observance

Throughout Jewish history, circumcision has been a defining mark of Jewish identity. Despite periods of persecution and attempts to suppress the practice, such as during the reign of Antiochus IV Epiphanes, the Jewish people have steadfastly maintained this covenantal sign. The Maccabean revolt, as recorded in the books of the Maccabees, highlights the Jewish commitment to circumcision even in the face of severe oppression.

Theological Implications

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul addresses the issue of circumcision, particularly in relation to Gentile converts. While affirming the value of circumcision for Jews, Paul emphasizes that true circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, rather than merely a physical act (Romans 2:28-29). This teaching underscores the continuity and fulfillment of the covenant in Christ, who brings the promise of spiritual renewal to all believers.

Cultural and Religious Continuity

Circumcision remains a vital aspect of Jewish religious life today, symbolizing continuity with the patriarchs and adherence to God's covenant. It is celebrated with a ceremony known as a "brit milah," which includes blessings and the naming of the child. This rite of passage is a communal event, reinforcing the collective identity and faith of the Jewish people.

In summary, circumcision is a profound and enduring symbol of the Jewish covenant with God, deeply embedded in their religious and cultural heritage. It represents a commitment to live in accordance with God's commandments and serves as a perpetual reminder of the unique relationship between God and His chosen people.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 17:10,11
This is my covenant, which you shall keep, between me and you and your seed after you; Every man child among you shall be circumcised.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 7:8
And he gave him the covenant of circumcision: and so Abraham begat Isaac, and circumcised him the eighth day; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat the twelve patriarchs.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Chapter xvii
... 5. In token of this new fact Abram's name is ... circumcision was merely an occasion
for ridicule of the Jews. ... male, one who shall not be circumcised in the flesh ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xvii.htm

The Conversion of Cornelius.
... part effected by circumcision, which was a token of the ... of persons; for although
he chose the Jews to be ... in the uncircumcised as in the circumcised." Of this ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xiii the conversion of.htm

Abraham, his Trial in Egypt; his Humility
... Discipline, a token of love, [507]79 ... Jews, pride, the cause of their fall, [918]4;
their conduct ... their fall, [924]135; some things in their covenant not typical ...
/.../abraham his trial in egypt.htm

The Synod of Jerusalem, and the Compromise Between Jewish and ...
... 446] The answer is that he circumcised Timothy as ... of making Timothy more useful among
the Jews, who had ... to teach in a synagogue without this token of membership ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 34 the synod of.htm

Concerning Salutations and Recreations, &C.
... and ostentatious minds, which is a manifest token of their ... the Father gave many things
to the Jews for a time, because [1339] of their infirmity under the ...
/.../proposition xv concerning salutations and.htm

The Epistles of Paul.
... Apostles (chap.15:1); "Except ye be circumcised after the ... raised at the instigation
of the unbelieving Jews, and the ... mine own hand, which is the token in every ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxx the epistles of.htm

Of Preparation.
... paschal lamb (Exodus 12:48), nor any circumcised under four ... may appear by the misery
of the Jews ever since ... this sacrament to ns, as the chief token and pledge ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bayly/the practice of piety/i of preparation.htm

Justification by an Imputed Righteousness;
... Its relation is the righteousness that justifieth, which ... thee'; and (4) 'Entered
into covenant with thee ... not swaddled,' he setteth forth their unsanctified state ...
/.../justification by an imputed righteousness.htm

A Treatise of the Fear of God;
... the Divine Spirit, it is an undoubted token of election ... Many of the Jews were, in
the time of Christ ... their transgressions with the rod, and their iniquity with ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a treatise of the fear.htm

John Bunyan on the Terms of Communion and Fellowship of Christians ...
... whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but ... The token or sign of righteousness,
of Abraham's faith ... is bought for money, when thou hast circumcised him, then ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/john bunyan on the terms.htm