FORESKIN (עָרְלָה, H6889, Gen 17:11, 14, 23-25; Exod 4:25; Lev 12:3. Verb form means to have a foreskin or be uncircumcised, Hab 2:16; Gen 17:14). The rite of circumcision was to take place on the eighth day after birth. The cutting of the foreskin from the penis was considered an important religious ceremony because of its spiritual significance. The act of circumcision symbolized the covenant which God made with Abraham and his descendants. Once one identified with the covenant, it was to be followed by obedience to God’s commandments. A fig. use is also seen (Deut 10:16): “Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart....” Obedience was necessary to follow God. This is esp. clear in the NT references to circumcision.