The Neshama Agrees to Come to This World for the Mitzvah of Milah:
Sefarim Hakedoshim explain that the neshama’s roots are under Hashem’s throne of glory, and it wishes to remain in this lofty place. It does not want to come down to this world, as it fears that it may become sullied by sin. Although it knows that it can be glorified through mitzvos and good deeds, it also knows that even these can be imperfect and can be done with impure intentions. Therefore, the neshama is told that there is one mitzvah that is done with no ulterior motives. That is the mitzvah of bris milah, which is done to a baby that is only eight days old and which has no ulterior motives or personal agendas. Since it knows it will be able to do this mitzvah perfectly, it agrees to come to this world.
Accordingly, the Parshah starts by speaking about a woman who gives birth to a boy. It then explains why the baby agrees to come into this world by describing the mitzvah of milah.
