Genesis 17:1 - Perfect faith at ninety-nine?

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Hebrew Text

וַיְהִי אַבְרָם בֶּן־תִּשְׁעִים שָׁנָה וְתֵשַׁע שָׁנִים וַיֵּרָא יְהוָה אֶל־אַבְרָם וַיֹּאמֶר אֵלָיו אֲנִי־אֵל שַׁדַּי הִתְהַלֵּךְ לְפָנַי וֶהְיֵה תָמִים׃

English Translation

And when Avram was ninety nine years old, the Lord appeared to Avram, and said to him, I am the Almighty God; walk before Me, and be perfect.

Transliteration

Vayehi Avram ben-tish'im shanah vetesh'a shanim vayera Adonai el-Avram vayomer elav ani-El Shadai hit'halech lefanai vehyeh tamim.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיְהִ֣י אַבְרָ֔ם בֶּן־תִּשְׁעִ֥ים שָׁנָ֖ה וְתֵ֣שַׁע שָׁנִ֑ים וַיֵּרָ֨א יְהֹוָ֜ה אֶל־אַבְרָ֗ם וַיֹּ֤אמֶר אֵלָיו֙ אֲנִי־אֵ֣ל שַׁדַּ֔י הִתְהַלֵּ֥ךְ לְפָנַ֖י וֶהְיֵ֥ה תָמִֽים׃

Parasha Commentary

The Age of Avram

The verse states that Avram was ninety-nine years old when Hashem appeared to him. Rashi (Bereishit 17:1) notes that this was the year before Yitzchak's birth, emphasizing that Avram and Sarah were beyond natural childbearing age, highlighting the miraculous nature of Yitzchak's birth. The Sforno adds that this age marks a transition in Avram's spiritual journey, preparing him for the covenant of brit milah (circumcision).

The Divine Name: "El Shaddai"

Hashem introduces Himself as "El Shaddai" (the Almighty God). Ramban (Bereishit 17:1) explains that this name signifies Hashem's power to set boundaries in nature—hinting that He would override the natural limitations of Avram and Sarah's age to fulfill His promise. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 46:3) connects "Shaddai" to the phrase "she-amar l'olamo dai" (He who said to His world, "Enough"), indicating Hashem's control over creation.

"Walk Before Me and Be Perfect"

The command "Hithalech lefanai vehyei tamim" (Walk before Me and be perfect) is interpreted in several ways:

Rashi: This refers to the mitzvah of brit milah, through which Avram would achieve spiritual completeness (tamim).
Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 3:51): Walking before Hashem means living with constant awareness of Divine presence, elevating every action to holiness.
Sforno: "Be perfect" implies unwavering faith, especially in the face of challenges to the promise of offspring.

The Significance of the Covenant

This encounter precedes the establishment of brit milah (Genesis 17:10). The Kli Yakar explains that physical circumcision symbolizes the removal of spiritual barriers, enabling Avram (soon to be Avraham) to fully dedicate himself to Divine service. The Talmud (Nedarim 32a) teaches that before this commandment, Avram was like one standing outside the palace; afterward, he entered the inner chambers of closeness to Hashem.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Hashem appear to Avram at age 99?
A: According to Rashi, Hashem waited until Avram was 99 years old to give him the covenant of circumcision (brit milah) to show that even at an advanced age, one can serve Hashem with complete devotion. This teaches that it's never too late to grow spiritually.

Q: What does 'walk before Me and be perfect' mean?
A: The Rambam explains that 'walk before Me' means to live with constant awareness of Hashem's presence. 'Be perfect' (tamim) refers to serving Hashem with wholehearted commitment, especially through the mitzvah of brit milah which completes a person's spiritual connection to Hashem.

Q: Why does Hashem call Himself 'El Shaddai' in this verse?
A: The Midrash explains that 'El Shaddai' means 'G-d Who is Sufficient,' showing that Hashem's blessings are complete. Rashi adds that this Name appears when Hashem limits His power for humanity's benefit - here limiting Avram's age to show that with Hashem's help, even a 99-year-old can fulfill great mitzvot.

Q: What lesson can we learn from Avram at age 99?
A: The Talmud (Chullin 89a) teaches that Avram's advanced age shows that spiritual growth has no expiration date. Just as Avram reached new heights in his relationship with Hashem at 99, we too can always improve our mitzvah observance and connection to Hashem, regardless of our age or past.

Q: How does this verse relate to the mitzvah of brit milah?
A: This verse introduces the covenant of circumcision that follows (Genesis 17:10-14). The Sforno explains that becoming 'perfect' through brit milah represents completing one's physical being to better serve Hashem. This mitzvah became the eternal sign of the Jewish people's special relationship with Hashem.