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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.
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The Land of Israel LGBT'S IN ISRAEL
The question was asked, how can one make Aliyah with the LGBT parades?
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 7 - Five Accumulative Proofs of G-d
As a preparation for the Kuzari's classic proof of G-d from the mass-revelation at Sinai, we start here with 5 other directions to strengthen our belief which also contribute to what the Kuzari will present as well.
Ein Aya Muscle & Meaning: The Dual Nature of Gevurah (Physical Strength)
Is physical strength and fitness a necessity or an ideal? Although it if often totally overlooked among topics of Judaism, Rav Kook writes that it clearly is also a necessity to deter the many enemies of Israel, but even in Y'mot HaMashiach, in the Messianic era, to a certain extent, it's ideal continues even after our enemies will have been finished off.
Chukat "HOW ENTEBBE STOLE THE BICENTENNIAL
The Difference Between Historic & Eternal"
As we approach America's 250th birthday, it's worth remembering her 200th Bicentennial birthday, on Jul. 4th 1976, when Israel "stole the show" by shocking the world & miraculously saving 101 hostages in a foreign continent. As Pres. As Pres. Trump decides which countries get priority in his new Middle-East, it's worth reminding him of the difference between historic events and eternally historic ones. This obviously connects with this week's parsha, as well!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 6 - The Parable of the King of India
The advantages of testimony over circumstantial evidence or philosophical speculation.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 5- "Proofs of G-d"
This may be the most important class of the entire book, where we finally get to the Jewish proof of the existence of G-d and truth of the Torah. We should follow His own direction where He tells us how to get to Him: through the Nation of Israel: Jewish history, Jewish prophets (and today, prophecies fulfilled), and national reward & punishment towards Am Yisrael.
Ein Aya One Humanity, One Creator, One Jerusalem
Rav Kook innovatively and beautifully explains this aggadeta where our sages say that after Jerusalem was destroyed her cinnamon fragrance is only found locked in a particular kingdom's treasury.
