It derives from the beliefs of the Hebrews, who were probably part of the nomadic Habir tribes that came from across the Euphrates River into Syro-Palestine (the collective name for the lands that include modern Israel, Palestine, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon).

The Hebrews, recognizing Abraham as their ancestor, preserved the tradition of his journey from Mesopotamian Ur to Canaan and the covenant he made with God, who promised him many descendants and dominion over the land of Canaan. Circumcision became the symbol of this covenant.