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We will suggest another explanation. Micha was of the generation of Yeshayahu but received his prophecies later, starting with the time of King Yotam. There was apparently not that long between them, as Chazal tell us that Yeshayahu’s opening prophecy was on the day that Uziyahu was stricken with leprosy, which was actually the time when Yotam started his rule. The prophecies of Yeshayahu and Micha look very similar, but it is important to note differences.
Yeshayahu describes a national redemption in which Mashiach does not hold a central role. In the famous prophecy about "the end of days" (Yeshayahu 2), he speaks about world peace, with gentiles coming to Yerushalayim for inspiration. He does not mention King Mashiach. If he is hinted at, he is not fighting Hashem’s wars because swords have already been turned into ploughshares. When Yeshayahu mentions Mashiach (ibid. 11:1-5), he is not a warrior but a spiritual man who serves as a judge. Study of Yeshayahu teaches that this image was a result of the fact that Uziyahu, a warrior king who could have been Mashiach, failed and was punished. This prophecy could have been fulfilled in the time of another righteous king, Chizkiyahu, while the first Beit Hamikdash still stood.
Micha spoke about a later time, when the Beit Hamikdash would already not be standing and Mashiach would come. He describes Mashiach as following the model of his forefather, King David, who was a fierce warrior (see Micha 5:1; 5:7-8; 4:13).
When the pre-state settlement movement began, the first group of (religious) settlers of Gush Etzion saw Micha as their "Rav" and inspiration. That is why they wanted to locate the first settlement in Migdal Eder, a place mentioned prominently by Micha (4:8). They understood that pasuk according to Rashi and the Targum, as a reference to Mashiach and the return of Jewish sovereignty. They followed the Rambam (Melachim 11:1) who, in describing the time of Mashiach, cited the p’sukim from Micha rather than from Yeshayahu, along with p’sukim from the prophecies of Bilam from our parasha. He speaks about Bilam referring to two "anointed ones," David and Mashiach.
Therefore, the settlers of Gush Etzion followed those who wanted to connect the prophecies of Bilam and Micha. The Religious Zionist movement has, for over 100 years and especially since the establishment of the State, been following the approach that combines elements of Micha and Yeshayahu, which, after all, come from one holy source. On the one hand, we believe in developing great leaders in spiritual matters, such as Torah and fine attributes, like our mentor Rav Shaul Yisraeli z.t.l. On the other hand, we believe in developing those who, as part of their service of Hashem and nation, serve in the army, as Micha (and the Vilna Gaon) saw as a necessity for our times. Indeed, we have seen that the path of redemption requires steps of national sovereignty taken in the physical world. May we continue to make progress in building the State in all pertinent ways until the process is completed, as the prophets foresaw.
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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)
