Circumcision

Circumcision

The words נמל cut off and מל circumcise are related by the subroot מל (h. covenant of the father taught). The dictionary meanings focus on the part removed, but the hieroglyphic speaks of that which is set aside or made holy. It is a separation from the outward flesh.

The first mention of such a circumcision is Genesis 3:24:

Ge 3:24 So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.

The flesh was cut off from the garden or the "path... of life" by a fiery sword.

The word פרדס orchard is a garden with trees, and is used by the rabbis to refer to the hidden scriptures, or sensus plenior. Being in the garden or orchard represents living in the Word of God. Adam was separated from it for challenging God's word.