Shaul and Amalek

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Shaul's War against Amalek (I)
Chapter 15 (Part I)
Rabbi Amnon Bazak
The mitzvah to destroy Amalek raises a number of moral issues: why were Bnei Yisrael commanded to destroy Amalek? Why does Shaul turn to the Keini and ask that they separate themselves from Amalek? Why was keeping Aggag alive such a terrible sin?
Shaul's War against Amalek (II)
Chapter 15 (Part II)
Rabbi Amnon Bazak
After understanding the reasons behind Shaul's decision to keep Aggag alive, we must try and understand why the sin was so severe. This lesson will explore the essential reasoning behind the commandment to destroy property in certain wars, and the problem with ignoring this commandment.
The Killing of the Priests of Nov
Chapter 22 (Part II)
Rabbi Amnon Bazak
This lesson will discuss the conclusion of the tragic episode of the killing of the Nov priests. Their death was caused directly by Doeg the Edomite, but various other circles were linked with the murder indirectly.
David and the Amaleki Lad
Chapter 1 (I)
Rabbi Amnon Bazak
Chapter 1 of Shmuel II is a direct continuation of the final chapter of Shmuel I. This lesson will discuss the significance of the Amalekite's description of Shaul's death. We will compare the story of the Amalekite with the portrayal of the biblical text, and assess David's reaction and his attitude toward the Amalekite.
Shaul and Amalek
Haftarot: Zakhor
Rabbi Mosheh Lichtenstein
The imperative to destroy Amalek has to follow the divine directive. By sparing the sheep, Shaul inserts personal considerations into the fulfillment of the commandment. He also runs the risk of desecrating God's name, because one might assume that the nation waged war against Amalek only for the loot they gained. Shaul believes wholeheartedly that he has observed God's commandment; he fails to understand that by giving in to the nation who requests the cattle he has failed as a king and leader. Generations later Mordekhai amends this error by avoiding the loot that is offered to the Jews.
David's Division of the Spoils of War
Dr. Adina Sternberg
תאריך פרסום: תשע"ב | |
This shiur looks at David’s divisions of the spoils after the war to retrieve the captives taken by Amalek. But wasn't Amalek supposed to be destroyed by Shaul? As we analyze this story, we notice that David is strikingly different from Shaul. We survey the stories of Shaul and examine what characterizes these differences. Returning to the division of the spoils, we uncover what is behind those who disagree with David. We find religious as well as moral-societal perspectives, and compare these various approaches with the one found in the deal between Avraham and the King of Sedom.
Saul‘s Two Deaths: Of Philistines and Amalekites
Dr. Yael Ziegler
תאריך פרסום: תשע"ה | |
The Tanakh does not present a birth story, yet Shaul has two different death stories. The united Book of Shmuel, the two stories of Shaul’s death appear one right after the other. Why do we have this elaborate retelling, and why is there such a focus on Shaul’s death? How are we to account for the diverging narratives? The key to understanding these stories is that more than explaining how he dies—they hint at why he dies: Israelite monarchy is meant to develop a correct relationship with God and with the people, and also to uproot Amalekite values. Shaul fails at both of these two goals.
Amalek and the Keini
Shani Taragin | 5 minutes
Chapter 15 of Shmuel Alef relates the tragic failure of Shaul to complete the war against Amalek. The text emphasizes that he does not listen to God. But interestingly enough, he seems to begin to fulfill God’s command by telling the Keinites to separate from Amalek so they will be spared. There is precedent for this, apparently, in the book of Shemot, with the stories of Amalek’s attack and Yitro’s visit. This story will have repercussions for other stories in Tanakh.
The Unique Traits of the House of Rachel
Dr. Yael Ziegler | Hour and 6 minutes
The Sages describe the "Children of Rachel" as having certain traits, and if one is born into a family with certain gifts - one is meant to use those gifts and character traits responsibly and for good purposes. Otherwise, there are dangers of corruption. In this shiur, we look at various prominent stories of descendants of Rachel throughout Tanakh (such as Yosef, Shaul, Esther and Mordechai) and examine their challenges and successes. Certain patterns come out (such as leadership and the motif of clothing), but ultimately it is the individual who chooses to use these traits properly or not. The various stories of the Children of Rachel can offer a formula of leadership and survival in the Diaspora - and to find God beneath the surface.
Amalek in the Book of Shmuel
Elisheva Brauner
Lesson 9: A United Kingdom
Prof. Yehuda Elitzur
The Biblical story of the battle against Amalek is a typical prophetic passage. The central themes of the story are the sin of Saul and the rebuke of Samuel, and throughout we are reminded of the prophetic teaching about life and religion.