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The timing connects Sargon II to the period of Chizkiyahu, King of Yehuda. Melachim (II, 18:9-11) tells that during the fourth year of Chizkiyahu, Shalmenesar was the king of Ashur who put Samaria under siege and eventually conquered it and exiled the people. The pasuk starts writing about the conquest, attributing it to the king in singular. However, the Massorites taught us that the vowels at the end of the pasuk refer to the conqueror in the plural. Modern archeology has clarified that our tradition was hinting that at that time, Shalmenesar died, and Sargon II finished the conquest and exiled the Israelites to distant lands. His name was apparently withheld due to the concept of "the names of the wicked will rot."
At the time of the navi Yeshyahau, the most powerful enemy was the Neo-Assyrian empire. At this time they returned to the "glory" of Nimrod, the ancient leader seated in Ninveh. Their military prowess was augmented by their infamous cruelty, which intimidated rivals. It is puzzling that in the whole section in which Yeshayahu prophesizes about several nations, Assyria, the most prominent nation of the time, who had a huge impact on Bnei Yisrael, was left out. On the other hand, there are two prophecies (one long, one short) about Bavel! Bavel, at that time, was part of the Assyrian empire, not independent. They were certainly not a power, which occurred only at the time of King Yoshiyahu.
There are actually several indications that the prophecy about Bavel really refers to Assyria. The navi warns about deserved punishment corresponding to the nation’s cruelty (Yeshayahu 13:9-19). It speaks also specifically about the cruelty of its king and the punishment he would receive, including the famous pasuk: "I will rise up on the stage of clouds, I will be like a deity" (ibid. 14:4-20). Right afterward, the pasuk (ibid. 24-25) says that "I will break Assyria in My land, and on My mountains, I will pummel it." This is what happened to Assyria, in the time of Chizkiyahu.
The haughty and cruel Sargon II was killed in battle in a distant land and was not even brought to grave. He who built a tower and wanted to "replace Hashem" laid like an animal carcass in the field, delighting his many enemies.
So why was the prophecy about Assyria attributed to Bavel? In Ninveh, they attributed Sargon II’s fall to the fact that he did not sufficiently follow the idols of Assyria but had a preference toward Babylonian idols. Yeshayahu followed his ancestor Avraham by calling out that Hashem is Ruler of the world and taught that Sargon II, who would not admit it, would be reduced to a lowly mortal. He was punished not for preferring Babylonian idols but for his arrogance and cruelty. Again, a descendant of Avraham taught the world the truth.
While the ego of world leaders makes big news, we should focus on humility and unity, as befitting the children of Avraham.
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(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)
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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
