Why did God command circumcision in the Old Testament?

The commandment of circumcision in the Old Testament is a significant aspect of the biblical narrative, deeply embedded in the concept of covenant between God and His people. To understand why God commanded circumcision, it is essential to delve into the theological, historical, and cultural contexts of this practice as described in the Scriptures.

Circumcision as a divine commandment is first introduced in Genesis 17, during God's covenant with Abraham. In this pivotal chapter, God establishes a covenant with Abraham, promising to make him the father of a multitude of nations. As a sign of this everlasting covenant, God commands Abraham and his descendants to be circumcised:

"This is my covenant, which you shall keep, between me and you and your offspring after you: Every male among you shall be circumcised. You shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskins, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and you." (Genesis 17:10-11, ESV)

Circumcision, therefore, is not merely a physical act but a profound symbol of the covenant relationship between God and Abraham's descendants. It signifies several key theological and spiritual truths that are central to understanding its purpose.

Firstly, circumcision serves as a visible and permanent sign of belonging to God's chosen people. In the ancient Near Eastern context, covenants were often accompanied by physical signs or rituals. The act of circumcision marked the Israelites as distinct from other nations, setting them apart as God's special possession. This physical mark was a constant reminder of their unique identity and calling as God's people, chosen to live according to His laws and to be a light to the nations.

Secondly, circumcision symbolizes purity and consecration. The removal of the foreskin can be seen as a metaphor for the removal of impurity and sin. In Deuteronomy 10:16, Moses exhorts the Israelites to "circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no longer stubborn." This metaphorical use of circumcision highlights the deeper spiritual significance of the practice: it calls for an inner transformation and a heart devoted to God. The physical act of circumcision thus points to the need for spiritual purity and wholehearted commitment to God's covenant.

Moreover, circumcision is a sign of faith and obedience. Abraham's willingness to circumcise himself and his household, as commanded by God, demonstrates his faith and obedience. This act of faith is commended in the New Testament, where Paul writes in Romans 4:11 that Abraham "received the sign of circumcision as a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised." Circumcision, therefore, is not just a ritualistic practice but a testament to one's faith in God's promises and a commitment to live in accordance with His will.

In addition to its theological significance, circumcision also had practical and communal implications. It served as a rite of initiation into the community of Israel, ensuring that every male member of the community was marked as a participant in the covenant. This practice fostered a sense of unity and shared identity among the Israelites, reinforcing their collective commitment to God's covenant. It also played a role in distinguishing the Israelites from surrounding nations, who did not practice circumcision, thereby reinforcing their distinctiveness as God's chosen people.

The commandment of circumcision also prefigures the New Covenant established through Jesus Christ. In the New Testament, the physical act of circumcision is transcended by the spiritual reality it signifies. Paul, in his letter to the Colossians, speaks of a "circumcision made without hands" (Colossians 2:11), referring to the spiritual circumcision of the heart accomplished through faith in Christ. This spiritual circumcision involves the cutting away of the sinful nature and a renewal of the heart, made possible through the death and resurrection of Jesus.

Furthermore, in Galatians 5:6, Paul emphasizes that "neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love." This shift from the physical to the spiritual underscores the continuity and fulfillment of the covenantal promises in Christ. The physical act of circumcision was a shadow of the greater reality to come—a transformed heart and a new creation in Christ.

The early church grappled with the question of circumcision, especially as Gentile converts joined the faith. The Council of Jerusalem, as recorded in Acts 15, addressed this issue, concluding that Gentile believers were not required to undergo circumcision. This decision affirmed that faith in Christ, rather than adherence to the Mosaic Law, was the basis of inclusion in the covenant community. This development highlights the inclusive nature of the New Covenant, extending God's promises to all who believe, regardless of ethnic or cultural background.

In summary, God's commandment of circumcision in the Old Testament is a multifaceted symbol deeply rooted in the covenantal relationship between God and His people. It serves as a sign of belonging, purity, faith, and obedience, marking the Israelites as God's chosen people. While the physical act of circumcision was a significant aspect of the Old Covenant, its deeper spiritual significance is fulfilled in the New Covenant through Jesus Christ. The practice of circumcision points to the transformative work of God in the hearts of believers, calling them to a life of faith, purity, and devotion to Him.