Regarding Circumcision

For a better understanding of this topic, please read Genesis 17: 9-11 and Leviticus 12:3.

Circumcision was the sign of the covenant between God and Abraham in which the male foreskin was cut away. From a physical standpoint, this surgery was important for the preservation of God’s people in that the foreskin provided a warm, moist area for harmful bacteria to grow and thus pass what was unclean to the wives trough intercourse. It is interesting to note that historically, Jewish women have had the lowest rate of cervical cancer. This surgery also came to symbolize the need for the heart of man to be cleansed from the more deadly disease of sin.

Perfect Timing

Leviticus 12:3: “On the eighth day the flesh of his foreskin shall be circumcised.” The sign of the Abrahamic Covenant was incorporated into the Mosaic law, and circumcision was required of all the males in the covenant community.

But why circumcise the baby boys when they are eight days old?

Christian doctor, Rex Russell, answers this question in his book, What the Bible Says About Healthy Living. He writes:

My first surgical case was a newborn male who was scheduled to be circumcised. After finishing the operation, I carefully bandaged the wound. Four hours later, I checked the patient and discovered that the bandage was soaked with blood.

We administered vitamin K to help clot the blood, but a slight bleeding persisted for several days before it completely stopped. A specialist checked the boy and found no evidence of hemophilia. No harm was done, but an infant had begun life with an unnecessary risk.

 Why?

It is routine procedure to circumcise babies during the first three days of their lives. The body’s natural supply of the blood-clotting vitamin K, however, is not yet present. Research has now shown that this clotting factor in infants is at its lowest level on days two through five. Vitamin K begins to develop in the intestine as the infant nurses. After five to seven days of breast-feeding, infants have built up enough vitamin K to allow blood clotting to withstand circumcision.

God loves his children and knows what is best, not only in hygiene of circumcision, but also in the timing. As creator of the human body, He knew when it was safest to administer a surgical procedure on an infant male – at eight days.

Let us not accept man’s word as authoritative, but look to God even though we may not fully understand all the reasons behind His law.

Interesting Thoughts

It is interesting that God gave the reasons for circumcision as a sign for Abraham, and later gave circumcision as a symbol for the cleansing of sin from the heart in Jeremiah 4:4, but God gave no reason why it was incorporated into the Mosaic law. Nothing at all is mentioned regarding its physical benefits. Why? I believe that there are special secret blessings that come to God’s people who trust Him and obey Him – even more so than what we really understand or know. God has built into His design natural laws, certain physical benefits for living within His design. For everyone else, they suffer the consequences.

A true scientist would seek to learn more of the ways of God using true scientific method. When man begins with the idea that there is no God (fools – as God calls them), they can never truly discover the secrets of the universe.

There is an additional thought to keep in mind as it will relate to future posts. In the New Testament, God revealed that circumcision of the flesh was no longer necessary to enter into covenant with God. Yet, the fact that it was no longer a requirement to be spiritually associated with God, the health practice still had benefits. We will refer back to this principle in the future.

Application:

• Trust the Lord’s Word.
• Follow His principles for health – He is our designer.
• God is amazing in wisdom and knowledge – keep this always in your thoughts.
• If you circumcise your males for the health reasons – wait until the 8th day.

Next: Healthy Blood Through Cleanliness: The Skin

Return To: Biblical Health Study

Disclaimer:

Reformed Health exists so you can take control of your own health and be all that God has designed you to be. The information shared on Reformed Health is the sole opinion of the author and is not meant to diagnose or treat any illness. None or our claims have been evaluated by the FDA or any other government organization. We are not medical doctors, nor do we have any medical doctors on staff. If you are having a health emergency, please call 911, contact your doctor, or visit a local emergency room. Always consult your doctor before engaging in any new exercise regime.

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Scripture quotations taken from the NASB.

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© 2017 Mischelle Sandowich
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