Note 54 — Chapter XII · Hebraic Circumcision.
Reading edition
In “Clarke’s Commentary,” vol. i, page 113, the reason of choosing the eighth day is given. Circumcision was not only a covenant, but an offering to God; and all born, whether human or animal, were considered unclean previous to the eighth day. Neither calf, lamb, or kid was offered to God until it was eight days old.—Lev., xxii, 27.