Circumcision Was the Sign of the Abrahamic Covenant
Why did YHVH choose the curious ritual of physical circumcision as the sign of the Abrahamic Covenant and as an identifying mark of an Israelite? We will explore the spiritual ramifications and implications of this seemingly archaic ritual that many modernists decry as being barbaric. But aside from the antipathy that some people have toward circumcision, more importantly, how does the Creator view it? Maybe he knows something that we don’t. Moreover, the mores of man’s culture, no matter the time period past or present, seldom align with the heart and mind of YHVH Elohim because, not surprisingly, the ways of sinful humans are always, to one degree or another, incongruent with if not antithetical to those of man’s Creator as the Bible, the word of Elohim, chronicles from beginning to end.
While the Bible teaches that physical circumcision is not a salvation requirement (see Acts chapter 15 and Acts 10:44–48), it is, however, by no means a passé, irrelevant and out-of-date ritual. For example, in the future, this rite will be a requirement for people desiring to be priests in YHVH’s millennial temple (Ezek 44:7, 9). Why? Because circumcision, like baptism for the remission of sins, is an act of obedience that shows one’s willingness “to go all the way with YHVH”, to identify with the Abrahamic Covenant and the physical nation of Israel. If a man, for example, willingly subjects himself to being circumcised, this proves that he is serious about following the God of the Israelites and becoming a part of that nation. What’s more, for the children of Israel, circumcision was like a passport or national identity card in a sea of heathen nations; it was a visible symbol proving that you were a citizen of the nation of Israel and not a pagan Gentile. Therefore, it was requirement that all men who desired to take Passover to be circumcised, and those who did not keep the Passover were to be cut off from Israel (Exod 12:47–48).
Again, in the new covenant era, the Testimony of Yeshua (the New Testament) is clear that circumcision of the heart—a non-gender specific requirement for salvation—and not physical circumcision is what YHVH really cares about, but it still behoves one to study the spiritual symbolism of physical circumcision.
The following bullet points offer some insights as to the spiritual significance behind the interesting and ancient circumcision ritual.
- YHVH told Abraham that physical circumcision was to be “a sign” (the Hebrew word oth pronounced owt) meaning “a literally and visible sign of or token” representing the blood covenant between Elohim and Abraham and his descendants (Gen 17:11). In a physical and practical sense, circumcision is a literal, physical sign that goes before or in front of a man anatomically.
- Circumcision symbolizes purification of the heart from sinful unrighteousness by cutting away a piece of the flesh, the foreskin, which would otherwise be a carrier of filth and potential disease.
- Circumcision is a seal of holiness and righteousness. How? The foreskin that is removed is round like a ring. A ring signifies a bond or union (like a wedding ring) and is worn constantly even as the circular sign that is left after a man is circumcised is worn constantly.
- Circumcision occurs on a baby boy at eight days of age. Eight is the biblical number that symbolizes “new beginnings.” Both physical and heart circumcision signify the consecration of a person to YHVH, and the commencement of a covenantal relationship between that person and his Maker (Gen 17:12). The significance of covenant in the Bible as well as in the cultures of the ancient Near East cannot be over-estimated, for, like a treaty, it was a matter of life and death between the various parties, even as the Abrahamic Covenant is the basis of our salvation—a life and death proposition for both the saint the sinner (see Romans chapter four).
- The rite of circumcision whether it is physical or of the heart is painful and humiliating. Heart circumcision involves repentance from sin and self denial—a painful process involving self-examination and the putting away of the filth and defilement of sin through repentance and then determining to walk in righteous obedience to YHVH Elohim (Gen 34:20–25 cp. Acts 2:37).
- From the penis flows the seed of life. Circumcision is a sign that one’s seed or physical offspring should and could be righteous and consecrated to YHVH.
- In Romans 4:11, Paul teaches us that circumcision is a sign, mark or token, and a seal (placed on a man) signifying ownership similar to an impression or stamp made by the signet ring of an ancient king or person of authority . Circumcision spoke of Abraham’s dedication to be righteousness and the faith that he had in YHVH who “owned” Abraham.
- And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had while still uncircumcised, that he might be the father of all those who believe, though they are uncircumcised, that righteousness might be imputed to them also, and the father of circumcision to those who not only are of the circumcision, but who also walk in the steps of the faith which our father Abraham had while still uncircumcised. (Rom 4:11–12)
Circumcision of the Heart
Although the rite of circumcision was the physical and an outward sign on a man’s body to signify in a real way that he associated himself with the Abrahamic Covenant—the covenant of salvation (Romans chapter four), the greater, ultimate and higher sign of the covenant was a circumcised heart. To this day, many Jews circumcise their boy babies in a ceremony called a brit milah or simply a bris for short, but then many of these the boys grow up and live a totally secular life devoid of Elohim and largely ignore his Torah-laws. So in reality, for them, the ritual of circumcision means little or nothing. This is because their hearts have not been circumcised to love and obey YHVH.
Contrary to what many Christians believe, circumcision of the heart is not of New Testament origination, but originated with YHVH in the time of Moses. Physical circumcision pointed to, was the ultimate goal of or prefigured heart circumcision.
Therefore circumcise the foreskin of your heart, and be stiff-necked no longer. (Deut 10:16)
And YHVH your Elohim will circumcise your heart and the heart of your descendants, to love YHVH your Elohim with all your heart and with all your soul, that you may live. (Deut 30:6)
For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision. Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision? And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfil the law, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law? For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of Elohim. (Rom 2:25–29)
Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness. How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision. How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision. And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also: And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised. (Rom 4:9–12)
Physical circumcision was to be an outward sign of an inward spiritual, heart reality, not the cause of it. If it were, then women would not be able to come into a faith-based and salvation relationship with YHVH because they have no foreskin. That’s why Paul writes,
Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of Elohim. (1 Cor 7:19)
For in Yeshua the Messiah neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love. (Gal 5:6)
For in Messiah Yeshua neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. (Gal 6:15)
The circumcision that the Creator cares about is much more than a physical surgical procedure; it is about a spiritual reality in the heart of an individual and the evidence of which is faith in Elohim and obedience to his commandments.
This is why Jeremiah contrasts and compares the uncircumcised Gentiles with the circumcised Israelites and says that the latter is no better than the former if the heart of the Israelite remains uncircumcised. The days are coming, declares YHVH through the prophet, that YHVH will separate between those who are circumcised in heart and those who are not whether they be physically circumcised or not. This is why, ultimately, YHVH cares little whether one is physically circumcised or not. It is the condition of the heart that matters, not the condition of the male appendage—a condition that only applies to half the human population anyway, while heart circumcision applies to the entirety of the human race!
Thus says YHVH: “Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, let not the mighty man glory in his might, nor let the rich man glory in his riches; but let him who glories glory in this, That he understands and knows Me, that I am YHVH, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight,” says YHVH. “Behold, the days are coming,” says YHVH, “that I will punish all who are circumcised with the uncircumcised—Egypt, Judah, Edom, the people of Ammon, Moab, and all who are in the farthest corners, who dwell in the wilderness. For all these nations are uncircumcised, and all the house of Israel are uncircumcised in the heart.” (Jer 9:23–26)
For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh; but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter; whose praise is not from men but from Elohim. (Rom 2:28–29)
Circumcision—both physical and heart circumcision is about a relationship with Elohim. It was an outward symbol and visible sign that one was in a covenantal relationship with the Almighty with all the privileges and benefits that come therefrom. Those who were uncircumcised were outside of the covenants, blessing and protection of YHVH Elohim. David had this in mind when he made the following statement regarding Goliath whom he was about to slay.
Then David spoke to the men who stood by him, saying, “What shall be done for the man who kills this Philistine and takes away the reproach from Israel? For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living Elohim?” (2 Sam 17:26)
Gentiles do not a covenant relationship with Elohim and therefore cannot be saved. One has to become an Israelite (through a relationship with Yeshua the Messiah) to become a part of the nation and covenants that YHVH made with Israel.
Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh—who are called Uncircumcision by what is called the Circumcision made in the flesh by hands—that at that time you were without Messiah, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without Elohim in the world. But now in Messiah Yeshua you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Messiah. (Eph 2:11–13)
Beautifully and miraculously, circumcision of the heart is a synergistic effort between a person and their Creator. A person first determines to and them makes the effort to get cleaned up spiritually including repenting of sin, then walking in the path and lifestyle of righteousness. At the same time, YHVH aids the person in the cleansing and subsequent transformation process with the help of his Holy Spirit and the washing of the water of his Written Word—the instruction manual for righteous living—as YHVH cleansingly transforms a person from the inside out. These are the two directional flows we see occurring in the Tabernacle of Moses. It is earth reaching upward to heaven as a person enters the tabernacle by way of the alter of the red heifer (a picture of the cross) in an unclean state and takes the required progressive spiritual transformational steps to come into the presence of Elohim as represented by the holy of holies (the inner most room of the tabernacle and a symbol of heaven). At the same time, YHVH Elohim is reaching down to man from his place in the holy of holies beckoning man to come up to him and simultaneously aiding him in the process. As heaven and earth meet in the tabernacle, the same occurs in the human heart as it is being slowly circumcised or cleansed spiritually. Man in his impure state reaches from the outside of the tabernacle inward toward the presence of Elohim, while contemporaneously Elohim reaches downward and outward from the inside (the holy of holies) toward uncircumcised man beckoning him to come upward in relationship with him. This is the progressive cleansing process the Bible calls sanctification.
Circumcise yourselves to YHVH, and take away the foreskins of your hearts, You men of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem, lest My fury come forth like fire, and burn so that no one can quench it, Because of the evil of your doings.” (Jer 4:4)
Cast away from you all the transgressions which you have committed, and get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. For why should you die, O house of Israel? (Ezek 18:31)
For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power. In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Messiah, buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of Elohim, who raised Him from the dead. And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it. (Col 2:9–15)
For we are the circumcision, who worship Elohim in the Spirit, rejoice in Messiah Yeshua, and have no confidence in the flesh, though I also might have confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so: circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Messiah. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Messiah Yeshua my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Messiah and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Messiah, the righteousness which is from Elohim by faith; that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. (Phil 3:3–11)
Ultimately, a circumcised heart is another way of expressing one’s submission to the way of the cross which the ritual of baptism for the remission of sins—that is identifying with the death, burial and resurrection of Yeshua—portrays in illustrative detail. (Col 2:9–15) It is about dying to self or mortifying one’s carnal passions and sinful tendencies and submitting to the path of righteousness that leads to YHVH Elohim as revealed and modelled by the life of Yeshua the Messiah.
If ye then be risen with Messiah, seek those things which are above, where Messiah sitteth on the right hand of Elohim. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with the Messiah in Elohim. When the Messiah, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: For which things’ sake the wrath of Elohim cometh on the children of disobedience: In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but the Messiah is all, and in all. Put on therefore, as the elect of Elohim, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as the Messiah forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of Elohim rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of the Messiah dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Yeshua, giving thanks to Elohim and the Father by him. (Col 3:1–17)
What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? Elohim forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Yeshua the Messiah were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as the Messiah was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin. Now if we be dead with the Messiah, we believe that we shall also live with him: Knowing that the Messiah being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto Elohim. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto Elohim through Yeshua the Messiah our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto Elohim, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto Elohim. For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. (Rom 6:1–14)
For in the Messiah Yeshua neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. (Gal 6:15)
How to Become Circumcised in Heart
Circumcision of the heart is about a spiritual transformation that occurs deep within a person, so that they become aligned with YHVH Elohim through Yeshua the Messiah, while turning away from the sinful ways of the world, the flesh and the devil.
For in Messiah Yeshua neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. (Gal 6:15)
Circumcision of the heart involves having faith in Elohim.
For in Yeshua the Messiah neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love. (Gal 5:6)
When one is circumcised in heart, the spiritual fruits will be evident. First one is convicted of sin unto repentance.
Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Yeshua the Messiah for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:37–38)
In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of the Messiah. (Col 2:11)
After repentance of sin occurs, the process of circumcision of the heart begins to take place resulting in obedience to the commandments of Elohim.
Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of Elohim. (1 Cor 7:19)
When one begins to see the amazing work of spiritual transformation occurring in one’s life as they move away from sinfulness and carnality, joy and happiness will come resulting in praising and worshipping one’s Father in heaven without whom this process would be impossible.
For we are the circumcision, which worship Elohim in the spirit, and rejoice in Messiah Yeshua, and have no confidence in the flesh. (Phil 3:3)
Ultimately, heart circumcision is about victory through Yeshua the Messiah over the world, the flesh and devil and death itself resulting in eternal life. This is why circumcision of the heart is such a big deal to YHVH: He want children in his kingdom—his forever family!
In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of the Messiah, buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead. And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it. (Col 2:11–15)
