Why did God command circumcision?

Circumcision was commanded by God as a physical sign of the covenant between Him and Abraham’s descendants. It marked those who belonged to the promises of God and signified separation from the world, consecration to God, and participation in His covenant blessings.

“This is My covenant which you shall keep, between Me and you and your descendants after you: Every male child among you shall be circumcised.”
(Genesis 17:10)

God introduced circumcision as a permanent token of His promises to Abraham. It was to be done on the eighth day of a male child’s life:

“And he who is eight days old among you shall be circumcised, every male child in your generations…”
(Genesis 17:12)

This outward act symbolized an inward reality, a life cut off from sin and devoted to the Lord. While it was a physical ritual, it carried deep spiritual meaning. God later clarified that the heart, not just the flesh, must be circumcised:

“Therefore circumcise the foreskin of your heart, and be stiff-necked no longer.”
(Deuteronomy 10:16)

Failure to be circumcised was considered a breach of the covenant. God told Abraham:

“And the uncircumcised male child… shall be cut off from his people; he has broken My covenant.”
(Genesis 17:14)

Circumcision was also a boundary marker, it distinguished Israel from the surrounding nations. It was not about physical benefit, but spiritual identity. It was a sign of belonging to the people of God, just as baptism would later symbolize entry into the New Covenant through Christ.

In the New Testament, Paul explains that physical circumcision has no value if the heart is disobedient:

“For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly… but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart…”
(Romans 2:28–29)

Yet in the Old Testament context, circumcision was essential. It was a divine command tied directly to covenant obedience. This is why God was prepared to kill Moses in Exodus 4, his failure to circumcise his son was a failure to uphold the covenant sign, making him unfit to lead God’s people.

“And it came to pass… that the Lord met him and sought to kill him.”
(Exodus 4:24)

Circumcision was about identity, obedience, and covenant loyalty. It pointed forward to the need for spiritual cleansing and complete devotion to God.

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