How Abraham Was Circumcised and Became Father of All Converts

Midrash Aggadah, Genesis 17:4

Curated by Arthur·Told by Maggid·

"As for Me, behold, My covenant is with you" (Genesis 17:4). Abraham did not know from where he should circumcise himself. At the moment when the scorpion's sting struck him, the Holy One, blessed be He, circumcised him. "And you shall be the father of a multitude of nations" (Genesis 17:4): everyone who is circumcised and becomes a convert, you are called his father. From here Rabbi Judah used to say: a convert brings first-fruits and recites, "I declare this day... which You gave to our fathers" (Deuteronomy 26:3), because Abraham our father is a father to all converts.

Themes

CovenantAbraham

Biblical References

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Book of JubileesCovenant of Abraham of IsaacIn this ancient text, which some consider to be part of the broader Jewish apocrypha, we find a pivotal moment concerning Abraham, his wife Sarah, and a promiseApocalypse of AbrahamGod Commands Abraham to Offer Sacrifice for a RevelationThe voice came again. Twice it called his name: "Abraham, Abraham!" "Here I am." "It is I. Fear not, for I am before the worlds, a mighty God who has created thApocalypse of AbrahamGod Promises Abraham Descendants Like the StarsThe Eternal Mighty One said: "Abraham, Abraham!" "Here I am." "Look down at the stars beneath your feet. Count them for me. Make known to me their number." AbraApocalypse of AbrahamGod Reveals That All of History Was Planned in AdvanceAbraham asked: "O Eternal, Mighty One! What is this picture of the creatures?" God answered: "This is my will with regard to those who exist in the divine worldApocalypse of AbrahamThe End of the Age and the Coming of God's Chosen OneAbraham asked again: "How long a time is an hour of the Age?" God answered: "Twelve years have I ordained of this ungodly age to rule among the heathen and in yApocalypse of AbrahamGod Foretells Abraham's Descendants in ExileThe vision was nearly complete. God spoke His final words to Abraham, circling back from the cosmic future to the personal promise that had started everything.