Should "Anglo-American Israelites" Be Circumcised?

Some people believe that, for example, America and Britain are the lost tribes of Mannaseh and Ephraim. Others also believe that their countries are also tribes of Israel.

So should males in these countries be physically circumcised ?

Not long after Deuteronomy introduced the idea of "circumcision of the heart" or what some call ""spiritual circumcision" the Genesis 17 "everlasting covenant between God and Abraham's descendents for them to be physically circumcised was reinforced, when all the Israelite males were circumcised in Joshua 5. Clearly despite this spiritual dimension the physical circumcision covenant is just what the Bible says it is twice in Genesis 17: "everlasting". So if a man can trace his descendency back to Abraham, then yes indeed he is obliged to be circumcised (irrespective of where he was born or now lives).

However, many people who believe that they live in countries which are part of the "lost ten tribes" assume that because they live in "Israelite nations" that they are therefore Israelites.

Is this necessarily the case?

How does anyone know "who they were", just a few generations before, if they haven't maintained their genealogy meticulously over the generations except perhaps if their ancestry can be traced into for example a Jewish family who have maintained details of their genealogy from Abraham as a matter of course?

Genesis 17: only obligates those who can trace their lineage to Abraham to be circumcised. Anyone who cannot trace their descendency back to Abraham must be presumed to be a gentile. It's a simple matter of definition.

It is Possible to Become An Adopted Israelite

Irrespective of this, from the earliest days of the Old Covenant, God provided a vehicle for people who were not direct descendants of Abraham to participate fully in the physical blessings of the everlasting Genesis 17 covenant of circumcision through a formal adoption process. This is explained in regard to the participation of gentiles (strangers) in the Passover service in Exodus 12 and even as early as Genesis 17:12-13 it is clear that God's relationship with Israel was never to be entirely excusive.

Genesis 17:12 He who is eight days old among you shall be circumcised, every male child in your generations, he who is born in your house or bought with money from any foreigner who is not your descendant. 13 He who is born in your house and he who is bought with your money must be circumcised, and My covenant shall be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant. NKJV

So if a man wants to become a formally adopted member of Abraham's physical family too, there's nothing to stop him - apart from a brief appointment with a sharp knife! Next: Proselytes & Devout Proselytes

Paul kept Nazirite vows & offered sacrifices at the temple many christian theologians believe, even after the crucifixion, so is the written Torah law really " done away" in Galatians?