Circumcision represents a man leaving the covering of his flesh and finding refuge in God, being covered by Him. For the one covering has authority over the one who is covered; the one above is greater than the one below. So man leaves the covering of the flesh and is recognized as God’s possession; for his flesh is uncovered, he is circumcised. Circumcision is the sign of the covenant God made with Abraham; so the sign of a believer is one who does not submit to the passions of the flesh, but humbles himself under the rule of Christ. This procedure is done by Christ Jesus, “and in Him you were also circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, in the removal of the body of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ.” (Colossians 2:11)
Although circumcision is outward and physical, it is hidden and private. As the Spirit indicates “a Jew is one inwardly; and circumcision is that which is of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter; and his praise is not from men, but from God.” (Romans 2:29) For obedience is worked from the heart, not the letter. The flesh prospers nothing; but “we are the true circumcision, who worship in the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh;” (Philippians 3:3) Even the uncircumcised are reckoned as circumcised if they keep the law; for they submit to God’s law, being covered by Him; and their flesh is truly uncovered, although physically covered, for they serve God in the Spirit and obey from the heart; their flesh is no longer their ruler, but God; they are no longer covered by the flesh, but the Spirit.
The concept of coverings as authority is seen in clothing, especially head coverings. A woman’s head is covered to symbolize authority on her head. Whereas a man has authority over his household, so he does not have a covering; for he himself is the covering — he is head of the household. But a woman wears a covering on her head, for she is covered by man and came from man. In the law, when a woman is suspected of breaking the marriage covenant, it says “let the hair of the woman's head go loose.” (Numbers 5:18) For, if guilty, she has left her authority and broken the covenant of marriage; and as a result, her “thigh waste away” and her “abdomen swell.” (Numbers 5:21) For under the thigh the covenant was made, and in the abdomen a child grows.
Furthermore, the prophet speaks, "I passed by you and saw you, and behold, you were at the time for love; so I spread My skirt over you and covered your nakedness. I also swore to you and entered into a covenant with you so that you became Mine," declares the Lord GOD.” (Ezekiel 16:8) When he says, “So I spread My skirt over you and covered your nakedness,” this is an idiom referring to marriage. This is the same when Boaz covered Ruth, as she said, “Spread your covering over your maid, for you are a close relative." (Ruth 3:9) So Boaz was to provide children for her deceased husband according to the law of Moses; and Ruth sought refuge in Boaz. And as a euphemism in the law, it says “uncover nakedness”: as it says, “If there is a man who lies with his uncle's wife he has uncovered his uncle's nakedness; they will bear their sin.” (Leviticus 20:20) So we see that the husband is the covering for the wife. And when someone usurps this authority, they uncover nakedness.
As it was seen with Jonathan, when his father said, “You son of a perverse, rebellious woman! Do I not know that you are choosing the son of Jesse to your own shame and to the shame of your mother's nakedness?” (1 Samuel 20:30) For Jonathan was covered by his father, and in rebellion, he was uncovered; and with nakedness comes shame. But Jonathan did not rebel against his father, this was only Saul’s point of view. Jonathan was covered by His eternal Father, trusting in God’s choice of David. In this way, he found a true refuge in God and separated himself from the lawless deeds of his father. And his mother was reckoned “naked” too, for just as the head covers the body, so a husband is a cover for the wife — the king is a cover for the kingdom.
For when the kings of Israel sinned, it is said, “they made Israel to sin.” (1 Kings 14:16, 15:20, 16:2, 16:3, 21:22) For when the head is given over to wickedness, the members of the body do likewise. However Jonathan, although a member of the body, he did not submit to his head, but he revolted against him and sided with David. And in his father’s words, “to your own shame and to the shame of your mother’s nakedness.” But he was not left uncovered, but found an eternal refuge in God and received promises from David whose dynasty would be forever. But Saul left the covering of God and was rejected as king of Israel forever.
Of this Refuge the prophets spoke in the name of the Lord: as Ezekiel said, "On the high mountain of Israel I will plant it, that it may bring forth boughs and bear fruit and become a stately cedar. And birds of every kind will nest under it; they will nest in the shade of its branches. All the trees of the field will know that I am the LORD; I bring down the high tree, exalt the low tree, dry up the green tree and make the dry tree flourish. I am the LORD; I have spoken, and I will perform it." (Ezekiel 17:23-24) For just as a tree is a shadow from the sun, so God is a refuge from the striking of tribulation. And in such ways did the Christ compare the kingdom of heaven, saying, “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field; and this is smaller than all other seeds, but when it is full grown, it is larger than the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that THE BIRDS OF THE AIR come and NEST IN ITS BRANCHES." (Matthew 13:31-32)
And also, as the Christ laments, “How often I wanted to gather your children together, the way a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were unwilling.” (Matthew 23:37) For “Christ is the head of every man.” (1 Corinthians 11:3) And, “Christ also is the head of the church, He Himself being the Savior of the body.” (Ephesians 5:23) We are all subject to someone, but the church is subject to Christ, being His body. For just as Eve was taken from Adam’s body, so the church was taken from Christ’s body, which was broken for her; and just as the two become one flesh in marriage, “the one who joins himself to the Lord is one spirit with Him.” (1 Corinthians 6:17) And He is our Lord, our Teacher; our Leader and Shepherd; and we are bond-slaves, disciples, followers — His sheep. “For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.” (Galatians 3:27)
Christ Jesus is our sacrificial covering to hide our nakedness and shame; from Him come our righteous deeds, which is fine white linen. And through observance of Him in love, do we have fellowship in righteousness with Him and the Father. For if the kings of Israel made the people to sin, how much more do you suppose our Head will make us to do right under His lordship? For Ahaz “made Judah naked, and transgressed sore against the LORD,” (2 Chronicles 28:19) and Aaron “made them [Israel] naked unto their shame among their enemies,” (Exodus 32:25) but Christ clothes us with boldness of righteous deeds through grace. For if the wicked make their subjects wicked, how much more do you suppose the Righteous, King of kings, will make righteous His subservients?
Let us therefore, submit to Christ and His authority, giving heed to the instruction which He has ordained within the church: for “Christ is the head of every man, and the man is the head of a woman, and God is the head of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:3)
As his apostles, who speak in His name, wrote in the holy epistles. To children, it says: “Children, be obedient to your parents in all things, for this is well-pleasing to the Lord.” (Colossians 3:20) “HONOR YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER (which is the first commandment with a promise).” (Ephesians 6:2) And to wives, it says: “Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord.” (Ephesians 5:22) And to husbands, it says: “Husbands, love your wives and do not be embittered against them.” (Colossians 3:19) And fathers: “Fathers, do not exasperate your children, so that they will not lose heart.” (Colossians 3:21)
To women, it says: “A woman must quietly receive instruction with entire submissiveness. But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet.” (1 Timothy 2:11-12) And to men, it says: “Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.” (1 Corinthians 16:13-14)
To slaves, it says: “Slaves, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart, as to Christ; not by way of eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart. With good will render service, as to the Lord, and not to men, knowing that whatever good thing each one does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether slave or free.” (Ephesians 6:5-8) And to masters: “And masters, do the same things to them, and give up threatening, knowing that both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him.” (Ephesians 6:9)
And to disciples, it says: “The one who is taught the word is to share all good things with the one who teaches him.” (Galatians 6:6) And to young men, “You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.” (1 Peter 5:5) And to teachers, it says: “shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock.” (1 Peter 5:2-3)
And to civilians, it says: “Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right.” (1 Peter 2:13-14) And, “Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king.” (1 Peter 2:17) And, “Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor. Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law.” (Romans 13:7-8)
Therefore, know where you reside — and obey, “not only because of wrath, but also for conscience' sake.” (Romans 13:5) For those with authority have power to execute judgement. They do “not bear the sword for nothing.” (Romans 13:4) But just as a father is grieved when discipling his child, so Jesus is not made glad when discipling. For the authority given to the apostles is “for building you up and not for destroying you,” (2 Corinthians 10:8) for they are “a minister of God to you for good.” (Romans 13:4) So accept their word, as it truly is: the Word of God. For He wills to lead you to a place flowing with milk and honey for your own good always.
And look to the men of old, which are written for our warning, who usurped God’s authority. Did they fair well? Absalom “went in to his father's concubines in the sight of all Israel.” (2 Samuel 16:22) And he died in his revolt against his father; he was suspended by his long hair in the forest. And Israel played the harlot “under every green tree and under every leafy oak—the places where they offered soothing aroma to all their idols.” (Ezekiel 6:13) And they were exiled into Babylon; while in famine they ate their own sons and daughters; they became servants of a nation they did not know. And Ham “saw the nakedness of his father, and told his two brothers outside.” (Genesis 9:22) And he was cursed with a curse; and he was made a servant to his own brothers. And the children who mocked the prophet, saying, ”Go up, you baldhead; go up, you baldhead!" (2 Kings 2:23) For they mocked the prophet’s head; and they were cursed — and bears mauled them. And Reuben “went and lay with Bilhah his father's concubine.” (Genesis 35:22) And although he was firstborn, he became last.
Or how did they fair who exalted themselves as king over Israel? As Adonijah, son of David, who exalted himself; nevertheless the kingdom was given to Solomon. And when he asked for David’s concubine, Solomon replied, “Why are you asking Abishag the Shunammite for Adonijah? Ask for him also the kingdom—for he is my older brother—even for him, for Abiathar the priest, and for Joab the son of Zeruiah!" (1 Kings 2:22) And he was put to death that day by King Solomon. For "Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted.” (Matthew 23:12) For Solomon humbled himself and waited for the exaltation from his father David. So “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:6-7)
Now, reprove, rebuke, and correct in a manner of love; for one who does such things exposes shame and nakedness that Jesus may cover them. As it is written in the law, ’You shall not hate your fellow countryman in your heart; you may surely reprove your neighbor, but shall not incur sin because of him.” (Leviticus 19:17) For if you know your sin, then you can repent of it, then find a true cloak for your sin. It is a loving thing to reprove! But to the wicked: “Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you.” (Proverbs 9:8) Rather, “Reprove a wise man and he will love you.” (Proverbs 9:8) Therefore, "Son of man, will you judge, will you judge the bloody city? Then cause her to know all her abominations.” (Ezekiel 22:2) Otherwise, prophets would not have “exposed your iniquity So as to restore you from captivity.” (Lamentations 2:14)
But as for false prophets, which rise up among you, “they have seen for you false and misleading oracles.” (Lamentation 2:14) And, “His watchmen are blind, All of them know nothing. All of them are mute dogs unable to bark, Dreamers lying down, who love to slumber.” (Isaiah 56:10) Therefore, “Let the righteous smite me in kindness and reprove me; It is oil upon the head; Do not let my head refuse it.” (Psalms 141:5) Otherwise, “the cup will come around to you as well, You will become drunk and make yourself naked.” (Lamentations 4:21) And the LORD says, “Your nakedness will be uncovered, Your shame also will be exposed; I will take vengeance and will not spare a man.” (Isaiah 47:3)
When you are reproved, acknowledge your sin and seek forgiveness in Christ. As it is promised, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9) And when you reprove, you are exposing hidden shameful things, and bringing them to the light; as it says, “all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light.” (Ephesians 5:13) So know that you are aspiring to do a good work. “Do not quench the Spirit.” (1 Thessalonians 5:19)
Without transgression, there is no need for forgiveness; without nakedness, there is no need for a covering. So show your fellow countrymen their nakedness and shame. As Paul exposed the nakedness of the Corinthian church, and said, “I say this to your shame.” (1 Corinthians 6:5) And again, “Become sober-minded as you ought, and stop sinning; for some have no knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame.” (1 Corinthians 15:34) Seek their justification, not their condemnation. Show them their sin, but show them God’s grace. For “Hatred stirs up strife, But love covers all transgressions.” (Proverbs 10:12)
Be not a fault-finder, but patiently endure faults in a spirit of meekness. For “A man's discretion makes him slow to anger, And it is his glory to overlook a transgression.” (Proverbs 19:11) For love “does not take into account a wrong suffered.” (1 Corinthians 13:5) Instead overlook faults, hiding them from your eyes. As Noah’s sons “took a garment and laid it upon both their shoulders and walked backward and covered the nakedness of their father; and their faces were turned away, so that they did not see their father's nakedness.” (Genesis 9:23) Or like Abimelech who acted wisely and said, ”Behold, I have given your brother a thousand pieces of silver; behold, it is a covering of the eyes before all who are with you, and before all men you are cleared." (Genesis 20:16) Or like Jacob who meekly endured Laban’s treachery for twenty years.
The God of our father is slow to anger and quick to forgive; so how ought His sons conduct themselves? The time is near: “Behold, I am coming like a thief. Blessed is the one who stays awake and keeps his clothes, so that he will not walk about naked and men will not see his shame.” (Revelation 16:15) As it is written, “I am filled with power—With the Spirit of the LORD—And with justice and courage To make known to Jacob his rebellious act, Even to Israel his sin.” (Micah 3:8)