9 Then God said to Abraham, “As for you, you must keep the covenantal requirement I am imposing on you and your descendants after you throughout their generations. 10 This is my requirement that you and your descendants after you must keep: Every male among you must be circumcised.
(1) Repeated word: Heb "covenant" has been translated into different words in English
v.9 the covenantal requirement I am imposing on
10,14 requirement
11, 13 covenant, reminder
(NET) Heb “my covenant.” The Hebrew word בְּרִית (bérit) can refer to (1) the agreement itself between two parties (see v. 7), (2) the promise made by one party to another (see vv. 2–3, 7), (3) an obligation placed by one party on another, or (4) a reminder of the agreement. In vv. 9–10 the word refers to a covenantal obligation which God gives to Abraham and his descendants.
(2) The word "reminder" v.11=(BDB) sign, pledge of covenant, א׳ הַבְּרִית (v. ברית) e.g. rainbow, of Noachian covenant Gn 9:12, 13, 17 (P); circumcision, of Abrahamic covenant Gn 17:11 (P); the sabbath Ex 31:13, 17 (P) Ez 20:12, 20
(3) The requirement of the covenant is to have a reminder of the covenant on their body, so that it will be visible. Circumcision must be done to all male and it used to remind them that God has a permanent covenant with them. It was done at the beginning of their lives and therefore it is a life-long reminder.
(BKC) By this symbol God impressed them with the impurity of nature and with dependence on God for the production of all life...Elsewhere Scripture refers to circumcision as a symbol of separation, purity, and loyalty to the covenant. Moses said that God would circumcise the hearts of His people so that they might be devoted to Him (Deut. 30:6). And Paul wrote that “circumcision of the heart” (i.e., being inwardly set apart “by the Spirit”) evidences salvation and fellowship with God (Rom. 2:28–29; cf. Rom. 4:11). One must turn in confidence to God and His promises, laying aside natural strength. Unbelief is described as having an uncircumcised heart (Jer. 9:26; Ezek. 44:7–9).
Reflection: The rainbow signified the end of the judgment and the peace of God with mankind. Now, the circumcision signified that God set Abraham aside to have a permanent blessings on his descendants. Thank God for the salvation history and His promises. They are all good to mankind. Do I take the advantages of these promises?
The requirement of the covenant is to remember the covenant. God intended Abraham to be reminded. It is important for God. Do I remember my relationship with God? What do I needed to be reminded of? That I belong to Him. I am blessed by His salvation to me. I am not a being of my desires or my emotion. I am defined by my belonging to Jesus Christ.
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