In the following shiur, we return to Sefer Breishit in search of the biblical significance of the number 'eight.'
Introduction
From the above examples in Sefer Vayikra, eight appears to
be significant simply because it follows seven:
However, a study of the parsha of "brit milah" in the wider context of Sefer Breishit suggests a very interesting relationship between "milah" on the 'eighth day' and the 'seven days' of Creation. To uncover that relationship, we must first conduct a quick review of the first seventeen chapters of Sefer Breishit.
In What 'Name' Does God Speak to Man?
Recall from our study of Sefer Breishit that God's creation of the universe is
presented in Chumash from two perspectives:
For example, in perek aleph, God - b'shem Elokim - blesses man that he be fruitful and multiply, master the earth and rule over all other living creatures (see 1:26-28). In contrast to this perspective of man as ruler, in perek bet - b'shem Havaya - man is created in order to become God's servant, whose job is to tend and watch over His Garden (see 2:15-17).
This double perspective continues in the Torah's account of the Flood. Because of the sinful behavior of "dor haMabul" (the generation of the Flood), God decides to destroy His creation, saving only Noach and his family. The explanation for this punishment is presented according to both of these perspectives:
Thus we find that from chapter 11 until chapter 16 in Sefer Breishit, God speaks to man exclusively b'shem Havaya. In chapter 17, when God commands Avraham to perform Brit Milah, this pattern suddenly changes! In this narrative, God first introduces Himself as "Kel Sha-dai" and then, for the first time, He speaks to Avraham Avinu b'shem Elokim:
"When Avram was ninety-nine years, God [Havaya] appeared to Avram and said to him: 'Ani Kel Sha-dai,' walk before Me and be blameless. And I will establish My covenant between Me and you... Avram fell on his face, and God [Elokim] spoke to him saying... This is my covenant with you..." (17:1-4)Note how in this covenant, given b'shem Elokim, God:
[See Ramban on 6:18, especially his final explanation of the word "brit," based on the word "briya"!]
As we explained above, the next time that God speaks to man b'shem Elokim is only some ten generations later - at Brit Milah! Once again we find that God speaks to man in order to establish a special covenant. Note the striking textual similarities between this covenant - "brit Milah" and the earlier covenant - "brit ha'keshet":
One Step 'Above' Nature
This background can help us understand the commandment that
"brit milah" be performed specifically on the eighth day.
Note the progression of God's relationship with man from the perspective of 'shem Elokim':
Let's explain this statement, based on these three stages of this progression b'shem Elokim:
(1) During the first seven days, God brought the universe to a stage of development where it appears to 'take care of itself.' Be it vegetation, animal or man, all species of life secure their existence by their ability to reproduce; they become fruitful and multiply (e.g. "zo'ray'ah zera," "zachar u'nekeyvah," "pru u'rvu," etc.). Man's mastery of this creation, his desire to conquer and his ability to harness it, are all part of this phenomenon that we call nature. The first chapter of Breishit teaches us that, what we call nature, is not simply an act of chance, but rather a willful act of God. [By resting on Shabbat, once every seven days, we remind ourselves of this point.]
(2) After the "mabul," God (b'shem Elokim) 'starts over' by re- establishing His relationship with mankind in a covenant with Noach, known as "brit ha'keshet." This covenant reflects a relationship very similar to that in God's original creation in seven days, with some 'minor' changes: Man remains master of His universe (9:2), with a 'small change' in his diet (9:3-5), and a commandment that it is forbidden to murder a fellow human (9:6-7). However, the basic laws of nature remain the same (see 9:8).
(3) Up until Brit Milah, man's relationship with God b'shem Elokim remained distant. Although Man was the pinnacle of God's creation with certain minimal expectations of moral behavior, he was basically just part of nature. Man was given power; he acted like God (b'tzelem Elokim), but was not close to Him. At Brit Milah, Avraham is raised to a higher level. He and his offspring are chosen to represent God as His special nation, and towards that purpose, they are awarded a special relationship - "li'hiyot lachem l'Elokim." As an "ot," a sign of this relationship, they are commanded to circumcise their children on the 'eighth day.'
Thus, the eighth day represents yet one more level of progression in the creation process, which first took place in seven days. [This is what the Maharal calls "m'al ha'teva" - above nature!]
Just as there is a progression within the first seven days of creation b'shem Elokim, from "domem" (inanimate - "shmayim v'aretz"), to "tzomayach" (vegetation), to "chai" (animal kingdom), to "adam" (man), so too on the 'eighth day.' The offspring of Avraham has been chosen to take God's creation and elevate it to a higher level.
This interpretation could reflect a statement made by Reish Lakish, explaining the meaning of God's name "Kel Sha-dai" which is first introduced at Brit Milah (17:1-2):
"What's the meaning of 'ani Kel Sha-dai?' God said: I am the One who said to the world 'dai' - [enough, or stop]."This explanation may help us understand the complex opening of the Brit Milah narrative: God, b'shem Havaya - the Name of God that Avraham is familiar with up until this point - informs Avraham that He is "Kel Sha-dai," the God who had 'stopped' His process of creation after seven days (17:1-2). Now, b'shem Elokim, the Name of God that orchestrated the creation in seven days, intervenes yet one more time. He establishes a covenant with Avraham, to command him with the mitzvah of "brit milah," to raise him one level higher, i.e. closer to God.
(Yalkut Shimoni siman 81, Chagiga 12a; see also the pirush of the "Torah Tmima" on this pasuk.)
Thus, God's commandment that we perform Brit Milah on the eighth day is not incidental. Rather, it reflects the very nature of our special relationship with God.
Back to Vayikra
Milah on the eighth day was only one example of this '7/8'
relationship in Sefer Vayikra. Based on our shiur, we can now
explain the other examples.
Seven Days of "Miluim" / "Yom HaShmini"
As explained in last week's shiur, the seven days necessary
to dedicate the Mishkan reflect the parallel between our
construction of the Mishkan, to serve God, to God's creation of
nature in seven days, to serve Him. [See Tehillim 104 - "borchi
nafshi..."!] On the 'eighth day,' the Sh'china descends upon
the Mishkan, allowing it to become the focal point for the
development of the special relationship between God and Bnei
Yisrael.
Seven Days "Tahara" / Eighth Day "Korbanot"
Different types of "tum'ah" are caused by some abnormal
behavior of the body. Seven days of "tahara" are required to
return the "tamei" person back to the 'camp' - to his normal
existence, his natural habitat. Then on the eighth day, he must
bring a special korban to allow his entry into the Mishkan. [Note
the parallel between this process and its korbanot, to that of
the kohanim during the seven day miluim and Yom HaShmini.]
Seven Days of Succot / Shmini Atzeret
As agriculture and nature go hand in hand, all of the
agricultural holidays follow cycles of seven (see Vayikra chapter
23). In the spring (chag ha'aviv), as the grain harvest begins,
we bring "korban ha'omer" and celebrate chag ha'matzot for seven
days. Then we count seven weeks until the completion of the wheat
harvest, bring "korban shtei ha'lechem," and celebrate chag
ha'shavu'ot. On succot, "chag ha'asif," at the at the end of the
agricultural year ("b'tzeit ha'shana" - see Shmot 23:16), we thank
God for our fruit harvest by celebrating for seven days and
bringing the "arba minim" to the Mikdash. At the very end of this
cycle of agricultural holidays, we add Shmini Atzeret, a special
gathering with no special agricultural mitzvah. It is simply a
time to stop and reflect on the holiday season and year that has
passed. On this 'eighth day,' we focus on the special
relationship between God and Bnei Yisrael.
This special relationship between God and Bnei Yisrael, that begins with Brit Milah, reaches its fullest expression with Matan Torah at Brit Har Sinai.
Based on this interpretation, it is understandable why Chazal chose this holiday to celebrate as Simchat Torah, and to conclude on this day the yearly 'cycle' of reading the Torah.
For Further Iyun
A. In what way could Shavuot be considered the "eighth," after
seven cycles of seven? Compare this to the din of the Yovel year
in parshat B'har. Why do you think that Chazal refer to Shavuot
as "chag ha'atzeret?" In what way is it similar to "Shmini
Atzeret?"
B. Based on the above shiur, why do you think that prior to Brit Milah, God changes both Avraham's and Sarah's names by adding a "hey?" Relate your answer to Hashem's name and His introduction in 17:1-4.
C. Based on the parallels between creation and brit milah, why do you think God chose to make the "ot" of this covenant on the part of the body which performs "pru u'rvu?"
Explain why we thank God in birchat ha'mazon for the "aretz," then "britcha asher chatamta bi'bsareinu," and then toratcha sh'limad'tanu."
D. Note in Sefer Yirmiyahu that even the Creation itself is considered a covenant; see 3:25-26, and relate these psukim to the above shiur.
E. Relate the above shiur to the minhag of "sheva brachot" at a wedding, and the seven days of mourning after death.
F. See Rambam Hilchot M'lachim chapter nine [the laws concerning the seven mitzvot of Bnei Noach]. Relate this Rambam to the above shiur.