Old Testament and AmaXhosa perspectives on circumcision : a comparative approach

Abstract

This study attempts to answer whether there are similarities between the perspectives on circumcision in the Old Testament, and amongst the amaXhosa. In trying to answer this question, I will be conducting a comparative approach to the ththecustom of circumcision from both perspectives. The Old Testament has two perspectives on circumcision: the one-from the pre-exilic and the other from post-exilic or the Priestly understanding of circumcision. During the pre-exilic period, circumcision was practised to enhance fertility and was conducted before marriage. We get this understanding from Genesis 34, when Jacob’s sons would not agree to give their sister to the Hivites in marriage unless all the Hivite males were circumcised. In this period, circumcision was simply a cultural ptice. From the post-exilic perspective, circumcision was understood as the sign or mark of the covenant between God and Abraham. It was instituted on males who were eight days old. We get this understanding from Genesis 17 and Leviticus 12. Secondly, Exodus 12 mentions that no male may participate in the Passover unless they are circumcised. All uncircumcised males are not welcome as part of the Israelites celebrating Passover. However, circumcision was not an exclusive practice; we see that even the non-Israelites are welcome to be circumcised and be part of Israel in the Passover celebration or festival. The post-exilic Israelite community changed circumcision from a simple cultural custom into a theological practice. Here, circumcision is practised to fulfil the command of God to Abraham and his descendants. For the amaXhosa people, circumcision is simple cultural practice performed on adolescent boys as a rite of passage to manhood. For the amaXhosa, in order for a male to be regarded as a man, he should undergo circumcision, and any male who is not circumcised is not considered a man. The uncircumcised male does not have status in the amaXhosa community or society. This practice is not just removing the prepuce from the male penis but is practised to fulfil the custom of the ancestors, as it is understood as an obligation to the ancestors. Comparison of the practice circumcision between the Old Testament and the amaXhosa shares some similarities, as well as some differences. We cannot conclude that the one was influenced by the other, for their approach or understanding of this custom is different.