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Genesis 17:25 - Yishmael's covenant at thirteen

Genesis 17:25 - בראשית 17:25

Hebrew Text

וְיִשְׁמָעֵאל בְּנוֹ בֶּן־שְׁלֹשׁ עֶשְׂרֵה שָׁנָה בְּהִמֹּלוֹ אֵת בְּשַׂר עָרְלָתוֹ׃

English Translation

And Yishma᾽el his son was thirteen years old, when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin.

Transliteration

Veyishma'el bno ben-shlosh esreh shanah behimolo et besar orlato.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְיִשְׁמָעֵ֣אל בְּנ֔וֹ בֶּן־שְׁלֹ֥שׁ עֶשְׂרֵ֖ה שָׁנָ֑ה בְּהִ֨מֹּל֔וֹ אֵ֖ת בְּשַׂ֥ר עׇרְלָתֽוֹ׃
וְיִשְׁמָעֵ֣אל בְּנ֔וֹ בֶּן־שְׁלֹ֥שׁ עֶשְׂרֵ֖ה שָׁנָ֑ה בְּהִ֨מֹּל֔וֹ אֵ֖ת בְּשַׂ֥ר עׇרְלָתֽוֹ׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Age of Yishmael at His Circumcision

The verse states that Yishmael was thirteen years old when he was circumcised. Rashi (Bereshit 17:25) explains that this detail is mentioned to contrast Yishmael's circumcision at thirteen with Yitzchak's circumcision at eight days old (Bereshit 21:4). This teaches that Avraham did not delay fulfilling the mitzvah of brit milah (circumcision) for Yitzchak, whereas Yishmael was only circumcised later in life.

Yishmael's Circumcision and the Covenant

According to the Rambam (Hilchot Milah 1:7), Yishmael's circumcision at thirteen was part of the broader covenant between Hashem and Avraham, as described in Bereshit 17. Unlike Yitzchak, who was born into the covenant, Yishmael had to consciously accept it at an age of understanding. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 46:2) notes that Yishmael's willingness to undergo circumcision at thirteen demonstrated his commitment to Avraham's teachings, despite later divergences.

The Significance of Thirteen Years

The Talmud (Niddah 45b) discusses that thirteen is the age when a boy becomes obligated in mitzvot (bar mitzvah). Yishmael's circumcision at this age symbolizes his entry into religious responsibility. The Kli Yakar (Bereshit 17:25) adds that this age also reflects the completion of his physical and spiritual readiness to enter the covenant, contrasting with Yitzchak, who was circumcised at eight days to signify his innate holiness.

Lessons from Yishmael's Circumcision

  • Timing of Mitzvot: The contrast between Yishmael and Yitzchak teaches the importance of performing mitzvot at their optimal time—Yitzchak's circumcision at eight days represents the ideal, while Yishmael's at thirteen shows acceptance even if delayed.
  • Voluntary Commitment: Yishmael's circumcision at an older age highlights the value of choosing to embrace mitzvot with understanding, as opposed to being born into them.
  • Covenantal Distinction: The difference in ages underscores the unique role of Yitzchak as the bearer of Avraham's spiritual legacy, while Yishmael's inclusion in the covenant was conditional.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Nedarim 32a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the age of Ishmael at his circumcision, highlighting the significance of his age in relation to the covenant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why was Yishmael circumcised at age 13?
A: According to Rashi and the Midrash, Yishmael was circumcised at age 13 because this was the age when he reached maturity and could make his own decision to accept the mitzvah. This differs from Yitzchak who was circumcised at 8 days old, showing the different spiritual levels between them.
Q: What is the significance of Yishmael's circumcision?
A: The Rambam explains that Yishmael's circumcision showed his acceptance of Hashem's covenant, even though he wasn't on the same spiritual level as Yitzchak. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 59b) teaches this established the mitzvah of circumcision for all descendants of Avraham, not just the Jewish people.
Q: Why does the Torah specify Yishmael's exact age at circumcision?
A: The Torah specifies his age to teach us that Yishmael willingly accepted the mitzvah at an age of understanding, unlike a baby who has no choice. The Midrash also connects this to the future when Yishmael's descendants would follow the practice of circumcision at age 13.
Q: How does Yishmael's circumcision relate to Jews today?
A: The Ramban explains this verse establishes that while all of Avraham's descendants have a connection to circumcision, only the Jewish people (through Yitzchak) have the complete covenant with all its spiritual obligations. This helps explain why Jewish circumcision is at 8 days while others may do it later.