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Our approach to this question and in general (as cited many times in the past) is that even a divine decree for a king’s rule does not take effect until the people accept his candidacy. Thus, Yaakov’s promise only took effect after David was accepted by the people.
We continue with another famous question about Shaul’s rule. "Shaul was one year old when he ascended to the throne, and he was king over Israel for two years" (Shmuel I:13:1). The gemara (Yoma 22b) does not seriously consider the possibility that Shaul was literally a year old at his ascension and explains it as hinting at his being without sin. Rashi, though, understands the statement that he reigned for two years literally, as is posited in Seder Olam Rabba. While more plausible than the matter of a year, it is still extremely difficult to fit the entire chain of events into two years. The Ralbag claims that the year is a reference to the time from his original anointing until the people gathered to fully accept him in Gilgal, and that the two years started from there. The Ri MiTrani and the Abarbanel say that the two years of reign cease to be counted once David was anointed as his successor.
True to our aforementioned thesis about kingdom in Israel, we present a different answer. The year was indeed the time from when he was anointed to be, in theory, the king until the time when the people accepted him as such after his initial successes in saving the people of Yavesh Gilad. During the next two years, Shaul enjoyed the full support of the people. He had a standing army of 3,000 soldiers who accompanied him, but he also could draw on the entire populace at times of need. Two years later, Shaul’s son Yonatan attacked the Philistine outpost in Geva, an act that was equivalent to a declaration of independence from Philistine dominance. The Philistines immediately responded with an invasion by a large force throughout the heartland of the country. While some men heeded Shaul’s call to gather to thwart off an attack, it appears that the great majority of the people did not come. Rather, some hid throughout the countryside instead (see Shmuel I, 13:6), while others hid on the other side of the Jordan River (ibid. 7). Shmuel, who was to give Shaul support, came late, and when Shaul went on without him, he lost Shmuel’s support. It is at this point that the pasuk declares that Shaul ruled for two years. After all, with the people no longer accepting his kingdom as binding, Shaul also lost his halachic standing as potential king.
From this analysis, we see that support of the people, especially through elections, in Israel is not just a component of democracy but a part of the State of Israel operating as a Jewish state.
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Shoftim TESHUVA IN COURT OF LAW?
Parshat Shoftim-Chodesh Elul
Why does parshat Shoftim always come out during Elul? This innovative and central explanation is an eye-opener regarding many aspects of Judaism.
The Month of Elul TESHUVA IS THE ANSWER
The month of Elul serves as a vital time for self-reflection and personal accountability to prepare for true repentance.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Realtor’s Fee on Large Commercial Building – part I
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Chemdat Yamim The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
Re'e NEVER EXTREME EXCEPT ISRAEL
Parshat Re'eh
Judaism is against extremism, so how can we understand the seemingly extreme statements found in our sages in favor of living in the Land of Israel and against living in Chutz laAretz? The article deals with the seeming contradiction between the strength of Free-Will and the strength of being influenced by our surroundings.
Ekev DANCE FOR ISRAEL- FOR YOUR BENEFIT
Parshat Eikev
Description: The 7 Haftarot we read after Tisha B'Av ("Shiva D'Nichemta") surely get us excited that they're coming TRUE, and awaken us to yearn, dance & join the return to Zion! The short article also deals with the problems and solutions facing the American Jewish community as discussed at a recent panel, as well as the question why Jews come from America to Israel to help when we face problems, but Israelis don't come to aid Jews in America when they face anti-Semitism.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
