Welcome to Poem of the Day – Upon The Circumcision by John Milton.
John Milton, a towering figure in English literature, is best known for his epic poem Paradise Lost. However, Milton’s poetic range extends far beyond his famous works, with his shorter poems often delving into personal, theological, and cultural themes. One such poem is “Upon The Circumcision,” a brief but profound piece that reflects Milton’s intellectual engagement with religious and cultural issues of his time. This essay will explore the poem’s structure, themes, and the theological underpinnings that make it a significant contribution to Milton’s oeuvre.
Upon The Circumcision Poem
Ye flaming Powers, and winged Warriours bright,
That erst with Musick, and triumphant song
First heard by happy watchful Shepherds ear,
So sweetly sung your Joy the Clouds along
Through the soft silence of the list’ning night;
Now mourn, and if sad share with us to bear
Your fiery essence can distill no tear,
Burn in your sighs, and borrow
Seas wept from our deep sorrow,
He who with all Heav’ns heraldry whileare
Enter’d the world, now bleeds to give us ease;
Alas, how soon our sin
Sore doth begin
His Infancy to sease!
O more exceeding love or law more just?
Just law indeed, but more exceeding love!
For we by rightfull doom remediles
Were lost in death, till he that dwelt above
High thron’d in secret bliss, for us frail dust
Emptied his glory, ev’n to nakednes;
And that great Cov’nant which we still transgress
Intirely satisfi’d,
And the full wrath beside
Of vengeful Justice bore for our excess,
And seals obedience first with wounding smart
This day, but O ere long
Huge pangs and strong
Will pierce more neer his heart.
Upon The Circumcision Poem Explanation
“Upon The Circumcision” is a 14-line poem that follows the traditional form of a sonnet, specifically a Petrarchan sonnet. The poem meditates on the theological and symbolic significance of circumcision within the context of Christian beliefs. It reflects Milton’s deep religious convictions, as well as his sophisticated understanding of biblical history and its implications for his own era. The poem’s focus on the circumcision of Jesus Christ, an event commemorated in the Christian liturgical calendar, offers insight into Milton’s views on the intersection of Christian ritual, divine law, and the human condition.
Structure and Form
The poem adheres to the structure of a Petrarchan sonnet, which consists of 14 lines divided into two parts: the octave and the sestet. The octave presents the problem or question, while the sestet offers a resolution or commentary. Milton’s use of this form is particularly effective in conveying the tension between the earthly and the divine, as well as the ritual and the spiritual.
In “Upon The Circumcision,” the octave describes the significance of the circumcision of Jesus as a pivotal moment in Christian salvation history. The sestet, on the other hand, reflects on the broader theological implications of this event. Milton’s choice to work within the constraints of the Petrarchan sonnet allows him to present his argument in a concise, focused manner while maintaining the elegance of the form.
Themes in the Poem
Religious and Theological Significance
The central theme of “Upon The Circumcision” is the theological importance of the circumcision of Jesus Christ. In Christian doctrine, circumcision was a Jewish rite, symbolizing the covenant between God and the people of Israel. The event of Jesus’ circumcision signifies his full participation in Jewish customs, while also serving as a precursor to his ultimate sacrifice for humanity’s sins.
Milton, as a devout Christian, reflects on this act not merely as a ritual but as a crucial moment in the unfolding of salvation history. The poem invites the reader to contemplate the deep theological implications of this act and its relationship to the divine mission of Christ. The circumcision of Christ symbolizes his humility and obedience to the law, while simultaneously pointing toward the larger, more transformative event of his crucifixion.
Human Sin and Divine Grace
Another prominent theme in the poem is the interplay between human sin and divine grace. Milton, known for his complex theological views, often grappled with the question of humanity’s fallen state and the need for divine intervention. In Paradise Lost, this theme is central to the narrative of the Fall of Man, and it appears here in the context of the circumcision.
Milton suggests that the act of circumcision, as a requirement of Jewish law, is symbolic of the need for purification and atonement. However, in the Christian context, this act is rendered incomplete without the grace and redemption offered by Christ. The poem highlights how Christ’s submission to the ritual demonstrates his willingness to bear the burden of human sin, and through his divine grace, redemption is made possible.
The Symbolism of Circumcision
The symbolism of circumcision in the poem is multifaceted. On one level, it signifies the initiation of a covenant with God, as it did in the Old Testament. However, on a deeper level, Milton uses the circumcision of Jesus to reflect on the idea of spiritual purity and renewal. Just as circumcision was seen as a physical removal of impurity, Christ’s circumcision becomes a metaphor for the spiritual purification that he would later bring to humanity through his death and resurrection.
Milton’s portrayal of the circumcision of Jesus also invites reflection on the relationship between the Old and New Testaments. The Old Testament law of circumcision is seen as preparatory for the coming of Christ, whose ultimate sacrifice would fulfill and transcend the old covenant. In this way, the poem connects the ritual of circumcision to the larger narrative of salvation and redemption.
Conclusion
“Upon The Circumcision” stands as a concise yet profound exploration of religious and theological themes in John Milton’s body of work. Through the lens of this single event—the circumcision of Jesus—Milton reflects on the broader themes of sin, redemption, and divine grace. The poem also showcases his ability to condense complex theological ideas into the structured form of a sonnet, displaying both his intellectual rigor and poetic skill. Ultimately, Milton’s exploration of the circumcision of Christ underscores the deeper spiritual meanings behind this seemingly simple act, inviting readers to engage with the mysteries of faith, redemption, and the divine.
