Nimrod

Found 6 Search results

1. "Then Shall I Bring Upon the Nations a Clear Language"

   Rabbi Yaakov Medan

   Why did God choose Avraham? The midrash offers two explanations. The story of the furnace parallels the story of Chanania, Mishael and Azaria, and the story about destroying the idols is taken from Gideon. The two parallels points to a broader connection between Avraham and these characters, and about the sin of Nimrod and The Generation of Disunity (Dor Hapalaga).

2. The Golden Idol

   Part 1

   Rabbi Yaakov Medan

   In order to override the conclusion of his dream regarding the transience of the Babylonian kingdom, Nevukhadnetzar constructs a golden idol. He believes that if all bow down to the idol, he will eternalize the Babylonian kingdom. The refusal of only three Jews is thus viewed as a threat to this plan, just as Mordekhai’s refusal to bow to Haman was viewed as a threat. Their refusal to bow to the idol leads them to be cast into the fiery furnace just as Avraham was cast into the furnace of Nimrod many years earlier according to the Sages. The first king of Babylon, Nimrod, and his tower that rose to the heavens, are compared to Nevukhadnetzar, the current king, and his gold idol that rose sixty cubits high.

3. The Golden Idol (continued)

   Part 2

   Rabbi Yaakov Medan

   Both in the time of Nimrod and in the time of Nevukhadnetzar, the collective behavior was not an expression of unity, but rather of the tyrannical reign of a single man, who thought for everyone. In both instances the ruler’s plan was successfully challenged by individuals with love and fear of God. Informing to authorities is the type of Lashon Hara that leads to torture and death and is therefore comparable to the three cardinal sins. Three types of miracles exist: a miracle cloaked in nature that remains hidden; a miracle that alters nature – such as the miracle of the three in Nevukhadnetzar’s furnace; and a miracle where God himself intervenes and also defeats the enemy as was the miracle that Avraham merited.

4. Esav and Nimrod

   Rabbi David Silverberg

5. Greatness - Among Us or Above Us

   Rabbi Yaakov Beasley

   Rather unobtrusively, the Torah continues with the mention of one significant individual before continuing with the genealogies:

   Cush fathered Nimrod. He began to be the first man of might on earth. He was a mighty hunter before Hashem; hence the saying, “Like Nimrod, a mighty hunter before Hashem.”  And the beginning of his kingdom was Bavel, Erekh, Akkad and Khalneh in the land of Shinar.  From that land emerged Ashur, who built Nineveh and Rechovot-Ir and Kalach.  Resen was between Nineveh and Kalach - this was the great city. (Bereishit 10:8-12)

   What does the phrase "before Hashem" mean? We examine different views about Nimrod's character and achievements.

6. Parshat Noah Part 5: The Dispersion

   Rabbi Alex Israel | 36 minutes

   What messages can be learned from the story of the Tower of Bavel? Through an analysis of the text as well as classical commentaries we can understand why the tower was understood as a rebellion against God, and we can appreciate the reason behind the resulting punishment. 

   Courtesy of www.tanachstudy.com