Rabbi Ari Shvat
Question
Hello rabbi, What exactly does it mean that the mashiach will rule forever?Obviously a human is mortal. Is it referring more to the kingdom? Will there be anointed ones after to sit on David’s throne? Thanks Darryl
Answer
Yes, it is referring to the kingdom, and just as the Messiah descends from King David, so too his descendants will continue after him. There is no need to anoint a son who rules after his father, only if there is some contentions as to which son will rule, or if some outsider thinks of claiming the kingship, and his leadership needs to be solidified. By the way, it's important to stress that the Jewish king is not a dictator, and there is a checks and balance system between the king and the Sanhedrin (Rabbinical High Court) and the prophets, as detailed in the Rambam's laws of the kings. There may also be some kind of democratic parliament of that's what the people desire (Netziv, HaAmek Davar, Dvarim 17, 14-15).
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