Old Testament Studies

Circumcision - Genesis 17:9-27

By Robert C. Crowder

This is the first time that circumcision is used in the scriptures.  Like all studies in the Bible, always take note of the first time a word or phrase is used to help in interpretation and application of future scripture passages using that same word or phrase.  You should always ask the questions.

·         What was happening?

·         When was this happening?

·         Who was it applied to?

·         Where was this happening?

Circumcision had nothing to do with their acceptance by God.  

God already accepted Abraham before He asked him to be circumcised.  It’s important for us to remember that. 

God wanted the people to have a physical reminder of His promise to make of them great nations.

 In his book "The Genesis Record", Henry M. Morris makes the following comment.  "The emphasis of the covenant, of course, was on the promised seed, and on the abundance of progeny which would accrue to Abraham.  The male sexual organ is the remarkable, divinely created vehicle for the transmission of this seed from one generation to another.  The circumcision ("cutting round") of this channel would thus picture its complete enclosure within God’s protective and productive will.  Furthermore, it was a primarily a sign only to the individual concerned, his parents, and his wife.  It was not a sign to be shown to people in general, but was uniquely personal.  To his parents it would confirm that they had been faithful in transmitting the seed to the son with whom God had blessed their union, and that they were trying to follow God’s will in training him.  To his wife, it would give assurance that he indeed was a descendant of Abraham, to whom she could joyfully submit in the marriage relation, in faith that God would bless their home and their children.  To the man himself, it would be a daily testimony that he and his family were consecrated to the God of Abraham and that they shared in his calling and ministry to the world."

 God’s Plan Was For Circumcision On The Eighth Day.

Have you ever wondered why God chose the 8th day?  Much of the reaction to circumcision is based on the unnecessary complications, which occur when it is performed immediately after delivery.  One of those complications is excessive bleeding; the doctor must first give the child an injection of vitamin K which helps produce prothrombin, which promotes coagulation of the blood.  The babies natural supply of prothrombin skyrockets on the eighth day to 110% of normal.  In some circumcisions there is no bleeding if done on the eighth day.

 Circumcision built identity and vision in Abraham. 

Circumcision was a daily reminder to Abraham that God was going to make of him a mighty nation. (Genesis 17)

This promise was not only for Abraham and those in his family but also to all those males in his household from eight days onward.  This included “..he that is born in the house, or bought with money of any stranger, which is not of thy seed.  …he that is bought with thy money, must needs be circumcised: and my covenant shall be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant.” (verse12-13)

ã 2002 bobsbiblestudies