1)

Why does the Torah introduce the Parshah of Melech with the words "Ki Savo el ha'Aretz ... "?

1.

Rashi (in Sanhedrin, 20b): Because Yisrael were commanded three Mitzvos 1 that fell due as soon as they entered Eretz Yisrael (and settled down there) 2 : - 1. To appoint a king; 2. To destroy every last remnant of Amalek and 3. To build the Beis-Hamikdash. 3

1

To be fulfilled in this order.

2

See Torah Temimah, note 68.

3

See Torah Temimah, note 68.

2)

Why did the Torah postpone the appointment of a king only until they had inherited the land? Would it not have been more appropriate to appoint him before inheriting it, so that he could help defeat the Cana'anim and distribute the land?

1.

Oznayim la'Torah: To ensure that the people attribited the conquest of Cana'an to Hakadosh-Baruch-Hu and not to the king. 1

1

See Oznayim la'Torah, who elaborates.

3)

What does the Torah mean when it writes "Asimah alai Melech ke'Chol ha'Goyim ... "?

1.

Ramban: Once they have settled in the land, 1 it is a Mitzvah to ask the Kohanim and the Dayanim to appoint a king. The words "ke'Chol ha'Goyim asher Sevivosai" is a prediction as to what the people will actually say. 2

2.

Seforno: It means that sovereignty should be hereditary, that when the king dies, his son succeeds him. 3

3.

Targum Yonasan: It is a Mitzvah to consult with Hashem before appointing a king.

1

Refer to 17:14:1:1.

2

Ramban: Even though it is not befitting to copy the nations or to be jealous of them - which is why Sh'muel rebuked them when they fulfilled the prediction. The Ramban compares this to the Pasuk in Va'eschanan "Vehashchatem, Va'asisem Pesel ... ". Refer to 4:25:1:1. Refer also to 17:15:0.1:1.

3

Seforno: As opposed to the Shoftim, who led Yisrael upon their entry into Eretz Yisrael, whose sons did not succeed them ? "So that Yisrael should not be like a flock of sheep without a shepherd" (Pinch27:17). See also Ba'al ha'Turim and refer also to 17:20:3:1.

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