Cytowanie Komentarza do Przysłów 31:21

In Bereshit Rabbah 21,14 we find that Rabbi Abba interprets the words (Genesis 3,24 ) את החרב המתהפכת, as a reference to circumcision. He explains his reason as being Joshua 5,2 where the instruments used to circumcise the people are described as חרבות צורים “swords of flint.” The other Rabbis consider the word חרב in that verse in Genesis 3,24 as referring to the Torah. They point to Psalms 149,6 וחרב פפיות בידם, “and a two-edged sword in their hands,” as their reason. Rabbi Abdimai also interprets the entire verse there as connected to both Gehinom and circumcision; he considers circumcision as an insurance against a Jew becoming a permanent victim of Gehinom. G-d is portrayed as asking; “who will save My children from the blazing fire (in Gehinom)? The answer given is that the rite of circumcision will be the instrument saving Jews from Gehinom and its fires.

A Midrashic interpretation (Tanchuma Lech Lecha 20) on the words בהמולו בשר ערלתו: “the commandment is an important one as anyone who has undergone this procedure will not descend to Gehinom. This is based on the verse here ביום ההוא כרת ה' ברית עם אברהם, “on that day G-d concluded a covenant wirh Avraham,” and a verse in Leviticus 12,3 ובים השמיני ימול, “and he shall be circumcised on the eighth day.” Who is it that is liable to descend to Gehinom? The one concerning whom it is written afterwards את הקיני, ואת הקניזי, ואת הקדמוני, “and the Keyni, the Kenizite, and the Kadmoni all of whom were of uncircumcised heart.” All the wicked people will descend to Gehinom as we know from Ezekiel 32,18 בן אדם נהה על המון מצרים והורידהו....שם אשור וכל קהלה שם משך תובל וכל המונה....כולם ערלים מחללי חרב, שמה נסיכי צפון. “ Ben Adam, wail for the multitude of Egypt and cast it down,....there is found Ashur and all her multitude, there is found Meshech, Tuval and all their multitude; all of them slain who fall by the sword and who descend uncircumcised to the bowels of the earth for they spread their terror in the land of life.” The author quotes verses of similar meaning from Isaiah 5,14, indicating that those who inherit Gehinom are the ones who do not have the legislation of מילה. On the other hand, we have a verse promising those who observe the ברית מילה covenant that they will not experience such a fate. For instance we read in Zechariah 9,11: גם את בדם בריתך שלחתי אסירך מבור אין מים בו,”You, for Your part have released your prisoners who have undergone the blood of your covenant from the pit without water.” Another verse alluding to the same promise is found in Proverbs 31,21 לא תירא לביתה משלג כי כל ביתה לבוש שנים, “her house does not need to be afraid of snow seeing her entire house is insulated with wool.” The Midrash understands the word שלג, snow,” as a reference to Gehinom. Thus far Tanchuma.
This is why it has become customary to even perform the rite of circumcision on babies who died before this rite could be performed on them while they were alive. (compare Yore Deyah 263).