Ark Circumcision Of Jericho Walls
The concept of circumcision is applied to the walls of Jericho in a metaphorical or spiritual sense by various Christian traditions, drawing from the biblical account in Joshua 6. According to this narrative, the walls of Jericho fell after the Israelites marched around them for seven days, at God's command [1, 2].
In Hebrews 11:30, the faith of the Israelites is highlighted as the reason for the walls' collapse. Baptist/Reformed and Methodist/Wesleyan interpretations of this verse emphasize the role of faith in the event. John Gill notes that the walls fell "not from any natural cause" but as a result of the Israelites' faith in God's promise [1]. Similarly, Adam Clarke explains that the Israelites' obedience to God's command, coupled with their faith, led to the fulfillment of the promise [2].
The idea of circumcision is linked to the Jericho narrative through the Patristic tradition. Tertullian, in his discussion on circumcision, alludes to the spiritual significance of the practice. Although he doesn't directly address the walls of Jericho, he connects circumcision to the distinction and purification of God's people [4]. This spiritual understanding of circumcision can be extended to the concept of removing barriers or impurities, much like the physical removal of the walls of Jericho.
In a different context, the Presbyterian tradition, as represented by Jamieson, Fausset & Brown, interprets the "uncircumcised ear" in Jeremiah 6:10 as being closed against God's precepts due to carnality. This metaphorical use of circumcision highlights the idea of spiritual purification and the removal of obstacles to divine communication [5].
The Jewish (Rabbinic) tradition, as seen in Rashi's commentary on Nehemiah 3:2, focuses on the literal rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem, including the section related to the men of Jericho. While not directly addressing the circumcision of Jericho's walls, this commentary underscores the significance of the wall's construction and reconstruction in biblical narratives [3].
The various traditions represented in the sources demonstrate a range of understandings regarding circumcision and its metaphorical applications. While the Baptist/Reformed and Methodist/Wesleyan traditions emphasize faith and obedience in the context of Jericho's walls, the Patristic and Presbyterian traditions explore the spiritual dimensions of circumcision. The Jewish (Rabbinic) tradition, meanwhile, maintains a focus on the literal and historical aspects of wall construction.
The application of circumcision to the walls of Jericho serves as a metaphor for the removal of barriers and the purification of God's people. This concept is rooted in the biblical narrative and is interpreted in diverse ways across Christian traditions. The historical and theological significance of circumcision, as well as its metaphorical extensions, continue to be explored in various contexts.
The connection between the physical event of Jericho's walls falling and the spiritual concept of circumcision underscores the complex and multifaceted nature of biblical interpretation. As seen in the sources, different traditions bring distinct perspectives to the understanding of this concept, enriching the theological discourse surrounding it.
Sources
- Hebrews (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Hebrews 11:28: By faith the walls of Jericho fell down,.... Of themselves, not from any natural cause: the Jews say (n) they sunk right down into the ground, and were swallowed up; even the whole wall fell round about, as the Septuagint version in Jos 6:20 expresses it: or, it may be, only that which was over against the camp of Israel, as Kimchi observes; since Rahab's house was built upon the wall, and yet fell not. And this was by the faith of Joshua, and the Israelites, who believed the walls would fall, at the sound of the rams' horns, as God said they should: after they were”
- Hebrews (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Hebrews 11:30: The walls of Jericho fell down - This is particularly explained Jos 6:1, etc. God had promised that the walls of Jericho should fall down, if they compassed them about seven days. They believed, did as they were commanded, and the promise was fulfilled.”
- Sefaria (Jewish (Rabbinic)) “Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) on Nehemiah 3:2: the men of Jericho built Such was their custom, these would build here [their section] of the wall of the city until [the part] they were responsible for was completed, and then others would build next to the first construction. Such was their custom, one after another, until the entire wall was built.”
- Schaff ANF/NPNF (Patristic) “ANF Vol 3: Tertullian — CHAP. Ill.--OF CIRCUMCISION AND THE SUPERCESSION OF THE OLD LAW. (part 2): and if ye shall have multiplied prayers, I will not hear you: for your hands are full of blood;"(3) and again, "Woe! sinful nation; a people full of sins; wicked sons; ye have quite forsaken God, and have provoked unto indignation the Holy One of Israel."(4) This, therefore, was God's foresight,--that of giving circumcision to Israel, for a sign whence they might be distinguished when the time should arrive wherein their above-mentioned deserts should prohibit their admission into Jerusalem: whic”
- Jeremiah (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Jeremiah 6:10: ear is uncircumcised--closed against the precepts of God by the foreskin of carnality (Lev 26:41; Eze 44:7; Act 7:51). word . . . reproach-- (Jer 20:8).”