Davidic Dynasty

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  1. Introduction to Nehemya

    Rabbi Tzvi Sinensky

    A cursory glance at the book of Nehemya makes it clear that many of the concerns encountered in Ezra remain relevant in Nehemya: the arrival of a new leader on the scene; opposition from the indigenous population; the importance and challenges of construction; censuses of the olim; and mass ignorance and repentance.

    While both Ezra and Nehemya arrive under grave circumstances – each travels to Jerusalem at great personal sacrifice to guide a struggling community – there are a number of obvious differences between the two.

    Upon hearing the news of the state of Jerusalem Nehemya launches into prayer. Nehemya, much more so than Ezra, laces his tefilla with rich allusions to prior Torah texts and personalities. The Jewish community was rudderless, lacking in leadership and direction, and unable to provide basic security for its residents. The only way he would feel secure in making his request from the king was by first invoking some of his outstanding predecessors throughout Jewish history: Moshe, Aaron, David, and Shlomo. 

  2. By the Rivers of Babylon: Survival and Resilience

    The Structure & Story of Book V (107-150)

    Dr. Beni Gesundheit | Hour and 12 minutes

    Mizmor 137 and the Last David Collection (138-145): Unit II of Book V

    How does the wish for punishing the Babylonians and the last David collection complete the picture for Jewish survival? What are the connections between this mizmor, the previous units of Book V and the last David collection which envision the restoration of the Davidic kingdom and hope for world-wide redemption?

    Mizmor 137 describes the sad state of the Jews in exile by the rivers of Babylon, their eternal allegiance to Jerusalem and calls for revenge on the enemies responsible for the destruction. The complex inter-connections between this and the eight mizmorim in the last David collection may be elucidated by contextual interpretation which reveals the flow of the narrative of Book V and its role in the entire Book of Tehillim.

  3. Sefer Melachim I: Archaeology

    Nachliel Selavan | 31 minutes

    Sefer Melachim I is about the transition of power from King David to his house, and the establishment of the Davidic dynasty and a unified monarchy. This unity did not last for long, the kingdom split into a northern kingdom of Israel, and a southern, smaller, kingdom of Judah. The notion Yehuda ve-Yisrael, until today, tells us that this fundamental issue hasn’t been resolved yet. The 12 Tribes have not all been reunited. 

    This episode covers a few key discussions in archaeology: The Kingdom and Temple of Solomon - his international relationships, his usage of resources, and materials, in running the country and building the Temple. The split into two kingdoms, and some of the features of each kingdom.

    Finally, the dealings of Eliyahu haNavi with the Northern Kingdom of Israel, and its internationally involved king Ahab and his Pheonician wife, Izebel, and more transitions of power: Hazael will be king of Aram Damascus, Yehu will wipe out the House of Omri, and Elisha will replace Eliyahu. Stay tuned for next episode!

     

    Archaeology Snapshot is a discussion on the location, timeline, main characters and highlights from history and archaeology, for each Sefer in Tanach.