Topical Encyclopedia Circumcision, a covenantal sign given by God to Abraham, holds significant theological and cultural importance within the Judeo-Christian tradition. The practice is first instituted in Genesis 17:10-14, where God commands Abraham and his descendants to circumcise every male as a perpetual sign of the covenant between God and His people. The neglect of this command carries severe consequences, as outlined in the Scriptures.Biblical Mandate and Consequences The command for circumcision is explicit in Genesis 17:14 : "But if any male is not circumcised, he will be cut off from his people; he has broken My covenant." This verse underscores the gravity of neglecting circumcision, equating it with breaking the divine covenant. The phrase "cut off from his people" implies both a physical and spiritual severance from the community of God's chosen people, highlighting the seriousness of this act of disobedience. Historical Instances of Neglect and Punishment A notable biblical account illustrating the consequences of neglecting circumcision is found in Exodus 4:24-26. As Moses is on his way to Egypt to lead the Israelites out of bondage, the Lord confronts him, seeking to put him to death. This divine encounter is resolved only when Zipporah, Moses' wife, circumcises their son and touches Moses' feet with the foreskin, saying, "Surely you are a bridegroom of blood to me." This incident suggests that Moses had neglected to circumcise his son, and the Lord's response underscores the critical importance of adhering to the covenantal sign. Theological Implications The punishment for neglecting circumcision serves as a reminder of the covenantal relationship between God and His people. It emphasizes the necessity of obedience to God's commands as a demonstration of faith and commitment. In the New Testament, while the physical act of circumcision is no longer required for believers (Acts 15:1-29), the principle of obedience to God's covenant remains paramount. The Apostle Paul speaks of a "circumcision of the heart" in Romans 2:29 , indicating that true belonging to God's people is marked by inward transformation rather than external ritual alone. Covenantal Faithfulness The requirement of circumcision and the associated punishment for neglecting it reflect the broader biblical theme of covenantal faithfulness. Throughout Scripture, God calls His people to uphold His commands as a testament to their relationship with Him. The severe consequences for neglecting circumcision serve as a sobering reminder of the importance of obedience and the seriousness with which God regards His covenant. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 17:14And the uncircumcised man child whose flesh of his foreskin is not circumcised, that soul shall be cut off from his people; he has broken my covenant. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 4:24,26 Library The Gentile Christian Theology. Paul and the Gospel of Faith. How Helena the Queen of Adiabene and Her Son Izates, Embraced the ... Galatians Chapter V. The So-Called Letter to Diognetus (On the Passion, viii. : on Wednesday in Holy Week. ) Acts XVI John x. 14, 15 The Child-Life in Nazareth Faustus Willing to Believe not Only that the Jewish but that all ... Differences in Judgment About Water Baptism, no Bar to Communion ... Resources Who was Zipporah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgDoes Romans 2:7 teach works salvation? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about how to get baptized / how to baptize? | 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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