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When David Hamelech was fleeing from the rebellious Avshalom, many followers gathered with him. Tzadok and many leviim joined him, bringing along the aron to give support (Shmuel II, 15:23-26).
We see several telling phenomena at that time. First, there was great despair among David and his supporters, along with disappointment and frustration over the ingratitude of the rebellious son, Avshalom, and most of the nation who supported him. How could they turn their back on David, who had taken them from a low point, when Shaul was killed, to the highest level of success?
The arrival of Tzadok and the aron should have provided a major lift in spirit. The aron was the most "prized possession" of Bnei Yisrael, and there was a long legacy of how powerful it could be in battle. It was, after all, known as the "ark of the Lord upon which the Name of Hashem, Who dwells on the cherubim, was called" (Shmuel II, 6:2).The special standing of the aron finds expression in the Ramban (on Sefer Hamitzvot, Aseh 33) that only the making of the aron (not the making of any of the other vessels) was to be counted as a mitzva separate from the mitzva to build the mishkan.
Therefore, we might have expected that the arrival/support of two kohanim gedolim and the ark of the covenant would provide a powerful aura of sanctity to their group. Yet, David reacted differently, thus teaching us an important double lesson.
First, David had decided that the period in which the Divine Presence would be moved around was over. David instructed Tzadok, whom David told Shlomo should be the permanent kohen gadol as the beginning of a dynasty (see Yechezkel 44:15), to return the aron to Yerushalayim. Only Yerushalayim should host the aron. Once the Beit Hamikdash was built, "the Divine Presence would not move from the western wall." This is why we accept the Rambam’s position that the Temple Mount remains holy even when the Temple has been destroyed.
David also is an exceptional role model regarding the power of belief. He explained to his followers that if Hashem is happy with his actions, He will return him to his throne and David would merit continuing to actualize his dream of turning Yerushalayom into the spiritual and political center of the Jewish people. But even if Hashem would not have brought success in the struggle against Avshalom, David would have accepted the divine decision without qualms (Shmuel II, 15:26). The key word in that context is "hineni" (here I am). That is the same word that Avraham employed when he was apparently called on to slaughter Yitzchak to do His will. That would have been the end of Avraham’s dream, but he was prepared to accept it if that were the divine desire. David tapped into that power of hineni.
Let us pray that Hashem will grant us success as the sons of Avraham Avinu and as the soldiers of the always living King David. In order for our prayers to be accepted, we too should declare: Hineni. Maybe then we will merit to witness the Divine Presence return to its place by the aron.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
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Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 9 - "Seeing is Believing" (parag. 21-30)
These paragraphs elaborate on the theme that seeing and knowing is better than any attempt to prove logically, and begins explaining the difference between Israel and gentiles.
Ein Aya Various Universal Stages of the Geula Process
Rav Kook examines the various stages of redemption, explaining how (in addition to the obvious oft-mentioned stages of ingathering the exiles, reviving the Hebrew language, army, state etc.) the messianic dream of world prosperity, the State of Israel and world unity can and are realistically and logically gradually coming true.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
How do we know that the "claim" of mass revelation to 2,000,000 witnesses at Mt. Sinai is really true? This important class answers all of the questions skeptics ask about this claim of the Kuzari.
Ein Aya Armies Still Necessary for Balance & the War Against Wars
Rav Kook explains why the world was originally divided into the various seemingly contradicting ideologies and cultures, in order to develop each one respectively. Swords or armies symbolize how each respective ideology defends themselves, as well as deters their opposing ideologies and cultures. On the other hand, the messianic era will be one of peace, and Rav Kook explains the transition to that stage, which mankind is already undergoing.
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.
