The Fig Without Waste and Abraham's One Blemish, the Foreskin

Midrash Tanchuma Buber, Lech Lecha 21:5

Curated by Arthur·Told by Maggid·

Another interpretation: "Like the first-ripe fig on a fig tree" (Hosea 9:10). Just as this fig has no waste at all in it — for all foods [have waste in them], and a person throws some of them away, but as for the fig, a person throws away none of it at all — so the Holy One, blessed be He, said to Abraham: You are whole, and there is in you no deficiency of waste, except for the foreskin. Remove it and be perfect, as it is said: "Walk before Me and be perfect" (Genesis 17:1).

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.