David's Deathbed Instructions to Shlomo

Found 3 Search results

1. Double Danger

   Haftarot: Va'yehi

   Rabbi Mosheh Lichtenstein

   The king possesses a unique personal status, but is also a national figure. David's deathbed instructions to Shlomo are examined based on both elements.

2. Generating Stability

   Rabbi Alex Israel

   The first half of chapter 2 articulates David's final will and testament to Shlomo, and the second describes how Shlomo acts to secure his position as king.

   While David stresses the importance of keeping the Torah, the bulk of David's message relates to potential threats to Shlomo's ability to govern. David knows that once he has left the scene, political forces will be unleashed, factions that have remained concealed due to David's presence and authority. Interest groups will move quickly to maneuver or even unseat the young, fledgling king and Shlomo proves to know how to respond with wisdom.

3. Haftarat Vayechi: Why Shlomo?

   Rabbi Jonathan Snowbell | 16 minutes

   In this shiur, we look at optimistic ideas about kingship and the Beit HaMikdash. We examine David's  instructions for what is to happen when he is gone, detailed in this week’s haftara.  How does the Torah counter the problems that can come with a dynasty? We analyze the haftara: how is Shlomo chosen as king of Israel? What qualities does he have that can help with this?  We look at this week's parasha for clues about Yehuda's selection for the future monarchy. Shlomo signifies not perfection, but teshuva and ability to recognize and correct mistakes.