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The gemara (Yoma 22b) deduces that Shaul was troubled by the directions that he received, to wipe out all of the Amalekis he was battling. If the Torah requires an eglah arufa for the death of one person, how much atonement would he need for killing so many? He also did not understand the possible sin of the Amelekis’ animals. A Heavenly voiced scolded him: "Do not be too much of a tzaddik." The gemara, in contrasting the experiences of David and Shaul points out that David sinned twice and was forgiven, whereas Shaul’s throne was taken away from him after this first sin. The gemara concludes that Shaul’s kingdom was taken away because he had no fault, a paradox we certainly need to address.
According to most of the opinions in the midrash (Mechilta D’Rashbi, Beshalach 2) the commandment to destroy Amalekis did not apply to those who were willing to accept the seven Noahide laws and that it was not necessary to destroy their property (see Rambam, Melachim 6:4). Thus, the instructions Shaul received were exceptional, making it easier to understand that compassion made it difficult to carry them out. On the other hand, the gemara posits that Shaul lost the kingdom due to just this event, despite the fact that his cruelty in wiping out Nov, city of kohanim, was a gruesome contrast for which both the p’sukim and Chazal take him to task. Note also that the p’sukim in Divrei Hayamim mention two other sins (consorting with the dead and not waiting for Shmuel). Why does the gemara say that Shaul sinned once and paid for it?
The Torah provides two looks at man as created by Hashem. The first one describes a spiritual person and does not mention his physical side as coming from earth. He does not appear destined to sin, as he was created in Hashem’s image. If he sins even once, it does not appear that anyone will be able to explain away his failure to live up to expectation. The second portrayal of man is of a very physical being, made of earth, who can sin yet be redeemed by repentance. In that way, his lower level is his salvation. The navi refers to both Shaul and David as "adam" (Shmuel I, 17:32 and Shmuel II, 23:3). However, as the gemara describes Shaul as being a person without a fault, he belongs to the first prototype, one who cannot be forgiven for even one major sin. David, in some ways on a lower level, is able to receive atonement for his sin and continuing with his throne.
We pray for the return of the kingdom of David, not a leadership of angels, but of people who may sin but know how to admit fault and seek and receive forgiveness.
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.
