What Is the Importance of Circumcision?

In old testament theology and in the historical context of biblical israel, circumcision neither provided nor ensured salvation. Circumcision meant nothing with respect to their spiritual inclination or destiny. Most circumcised israelites still turned away from god, practising idolatry. Their actions eventually prompted away punish them with exile. Women were members of the community through marriage to a circumcised man, or by being born to an uncircumcised woman. Intermarriage with foreign men who were not part of away's covenant was forbidden. This purity was directly related to the spiritual significance of circumcision.