Who May Circumcise and the Mercy of the Eighth Day

Yalkut Shimoni on Torah 82:4

Curated by Arthur·Told by Maggid·

It was taught: An Israelite may circumcise a Samaritan, but a Samaritan may not circumcise an Israelite, because he circumcises for the sake of Mount Gerizim; these are the words of Rabbi Judah. Rabbi Yose said to him: And where do we find circumcision in the Torah done "for its own sake"? Rather, he circumcises and continues until the soul departs. Rav Chisda said: What is Rabbi Judah's reason? As it is written, "to the LORD shall he be circumcised." And Rabbi Yose? It is written "he shall surely be circumcised." And the other too, is it not written "he shall surely be circumcised"? The Torah spoke in the language of human beings. And the other too, is it not written "to the LORD shall he be circumcised"? That is written concerning the Passover. Why is the infant circumcised on the eighth day? Because the Holy One, blessed be He, set mercy upon him, to wait for him until there is strength in him. And just as His mercy is upon the human being, so is His mercy upon the animal, as it is said, "And from the eighth day onward it shall be accepted as an offering" (Leviticus 22:27), and it is written, "You shall not slaughter it and its young on one day" (Leviticus 22:28).

Themes

CommandmentsMercyCovenant

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