Shaul Loses the Monarchy

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  1. The First War against Pelishtim (II)

    Chapters 13-14 (Part II)

    Rabbi Amnon Bazak

    Shaul's impatience to wait for Shmuel costs him the monarchy. Why was Shmuel delayed until the last minute? Which biblical event is paralleled in this narrative, and what is the significance of the parallel?

  2. 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?

  3. 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.

  4. Shaul's War against Amalek (III)

    Chapter 15 (Part III)

    Rabbi Amnon Bazak

    In conclusion of our discussion regarding the war against Amalek will discuss two central questions: a - Who owned the coat that was torn at the end of the story, and why is the text ambiguous about the owner of the coat? b - What is the relationship between the defeat against the Philistines and the loss of Shaul's monarchy?

  5. 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.

  6. Shlomo's Punishment

    Rabbi Alex Israel

    Are Shlomo's three adversaries a threat only at the end of his reign after he has sinned, or  are they not so much existential threats in Shlomo's era, as the product of current dissent which becomes the seeds of future destruction?

    Shlomo's punishment is mitigated because of David. Why is Shlomo's fate different than Shaul's? What merit does David have that makes God swear to him that his sons after him can be punished but cannot lose the kingdom? 

  7. The Rebellion of Yerovam

    Part 1

    Rabbi Alex Israel

    Yerovam was a man who demonstrated impressive management and leadership skills.  His outstanding reputation led him to a high office when Shlomo appointed him as head of the administrative region of Yosef. However, at the point that Milo is built, Yerovam decided to confront Shlomo.  Ahiya HaShiloni's traumatic prophecy, involving the tearing of a new garment, may have come to Yerovam as a result of his confrontation with Shlomo or it might have been the catalyst that caused him to rebel.  

  8. 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.

  9. What are Lavan's Terafim and Why did Rachel Steal Them?

    Rabbi Daniel Wolf

    תאריך פרסום: 5777 | | Hour

    There is an interesting side story in the midst of Yaakov's flight from Lavan's household. Rachel steals her father's terafim, and Lavan accuses Yaakov. Yaakov unwittingly curses the thief, and Rachel dies. Why did Rachel steal them? What are the terafim? We look at different places in Tanakh where terafim are mentioned, and consider different opinions regarding their purpose: are terafim used as an idol worship device, or as a divination tool? 

    As we trace the terafim and the motivations of those who use them, we notice patterns that crop up. What emerges is a message about deceit: though on some occasions it may  be necessary, deceit has a price - sometimes a steep one.