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Gidon was the only one of all the leaders of the era of the Shoftim who was requested by others and took steps himself to become king and actually begin a dynasty. We see the term melech (king) explicitly in the famous Parable of Yotam (Shoftim 9:8), in reference to Gidon’s son Avimelech, whose name we will focus on later. Also, when the people approached Gidon with the request that he rule over them, after his stunning defeat of the enemy, they said: "Rule over us, both you and your son and your son’s son" (ibid. 8:22). This unique formula strengthens the thesis that kingdom requires the possibility of passing on the rule to one’s son.
Although Gidon initially refused the offer to rule over the nation, there are strong indications that he eventually acceded to it. Consider the following p’sukim: "Yeruba’al (Gidon’s nickname) the son of Yoash went and lived in his house. Gidon had seventy sons, for he had many wives. His concubine from Shechem gave birth to a son for him and he made his name Avimelech" (ibid. 29-31).
These p’sukim contain several hints at kingship: the taking of many wives is a practice that is related to kings, who are also warned not to go too far in this regard (Devarim 17:17). Taking a concubine was also more common for kings. We see this concerning: Reuven’s "interaction" with his father’s concubine, the dispute between Avner and Ish Boshet over the latter’s father’s concubines, and Avshalom’s actions with David’s concubines (development of all of these is beyond our present scope). Gidon also collected a large sum of gold, which he used in an improper manner (see Shoftim 8:24-26). As we learn from the Torah’s mitzvot for a king, this is a common problem that kings are likely to have.
Perhaps the most interesting sign of a kingdom is hinted at in the name of Gidon’s son Avimelech. First, the unusual language of "vayasem" (he made his name) implies that it was more than just any name but that it represented a status, and this root is used for appointing a king (Devarim 17:15). In other words, Gidon made Avimelech his heir apparent. The name can be understood two ways: my father is the king; the father of the king. Another words, he was supposed to be the second link in a developing dynasty.
David was informed by a prophet that he was to be the founder of a dynasty, and David succeeded. Gidon did not receive such a divine message or blessing, which indeed had been bestowed on the Tribe of Yehuda (see Bereishit 49:10), of which he was not a part. May we merit seeing the fulfillment of the second part of that pasuk, the coming of Shilo (Mashiach), who will gather the nations in service of Hashem.
Igrot Hare’aya Refuting Criticism by the Ridbaz – #311 – part IV
Date and Place: 19 Sivan 5670 (1910), Yafo
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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)
