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I. ITS SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE.

1. It taught the natural depravity of man.

2. It taught the necessity of purification.

3. It taught regeneration.

4. It taught that God's people are to be distinguished from the children of this world.

5. It taught dedication to God.

6. It pointed to Christ, who does not come by natural generation. He was the promised seed. His human nature was pure from its source. Thus circumcision preaches the whole doctrine of salvation, its necessity, and the means by which it is brought about. It proclaims the soul's need — of the mortification of the flesh, of repentance, of a Saviour from sin.

II. ITS SUBJECTS. The rite of circumcision was enjoined not only upon Abraham and his seed, but also upon all his servants or slaves, and upon all born of them in his house. Everyone connected with him by social or domestic ties must submit to this outward sign of the covenant. In his capacity as a father and as a master he had to see that this rite was administered.

1. The principle of human responsibility.

2. That a man is accountable for the souls of those who are connected with him by social or domestic ties.

3. That the covenants of God are not narrow in their range.

4. That in our duty to others there is an element of hope and encouragement.

III. ITS OBLIGATION.

1. Because God commanded it.

2. Because God's commands were hedged about by sanctions.

(T. H. Leale.)

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KJV: And God said unto Abraham, Thou shalt keep my covenant therefore, thou, and thy seed after thee in their generations.

WEB: God said to Abraham, "As for you, you will keep my covenant, you and your seed after you throughout their generations.