1)

Why does the Torah write "Tasim alecha Melech" and not 'Asim alecha Melech'?

1.

Torah Temimah: Because Yisrael did not really need a king - since Hashem is their King, 1 and it is only because Hashem foresaw that they would (reject Him and) ask for a king that He turned the request into a Mitzvah.


1

As Shmuel told the people in Shmuel 1, 12:13. Refer also to 17:14:2:1 and note 2.

2)

What are the implications of "Som Tasim alecha Melech!"?

1.

Ramban #1 (citing the Sifri): To teach us that if the current king dies it is a Mitzvah to appoint another one in his place. 1

2.

Ramban #2 (citing the Sifri): It mplies "Melech", 've'Lo Malkah' - to disqualify a queen from sitting on the throne.


1

See Torah Temimah, note 79.

3)

What are the implications of " mi'Kerev Achecha Tasim alecha Melech"?

1.

Ba'al ha'Turim: "mi'Kerev Achecha" has the same Gematriya as 'mi'Sheivet Yehudah'.

2.

Sifri: It implies that the king must be from Eretz Yisrael and not from Chutz la'Aretz. 1

3.

Yevamos, 120a; "Alecha" implies that a Ger who is a Dayan is not permitted to judge a Yisrael but he is permitted to judge his fellow-Ger. 2

4.

Kidushin, 76b #1: It means that his mother is a Bas Yisrael 3 (even though his father is a Ger). 4

5.

Kidushin, 76b #2: It implies that every important appointment 5 should be from you - someone whose mother is a Bas-Yisrael - and not a Ger. 6

6.

Bava Kama, 88a: It precludes anyone who does not have a Yichus - such as an Eved Cana'ani - from becoming king. 7


1

See Torah Temimah, note 76 and Oznayim la'Torah.

2

See Torah Temimah, note 71.

3

See Torah Temimah note 81, citing Tosfos in Yevamos, 85b and Bava Basra, 3b).

4

See Torah Temimah, note 73.

5

Such as a Dayan and a Nasi - See Torah Temimah, note 72. Refer also to 17:15:3:4.

6

See answer #4 and Torah Temimah, note 73.

7

See Torah Temimah, note 74.

4)

Why does the Torah add the (otherwise superfluous) words "mi'Kerev Achecha Tasim alecha Melech"?

1.

Sanhedrin, 22a:

2.

Kidushin, 32b: See answer #1. From the king's perspective, it prohibits him from foregoing his Kavod - 'Melech she'Machal al Kevodo, Ein Kevodo Machul'. 1


1

See Torah Temmah, note 77.

5)

What are the implications of "asher Yivchar Hashem Elokecha bo"?

1.

Ramban: It implies that the appointment must be made through a Navi or via the Urim ve'Tumim. 1

2.

Targum Yonasan: It implies that, before choosing a king, one should consult Hashem. 2


1

Oznayim la'Torah: It happened only twice that Hashem chose the king through a Navi (Shmuel) - once by Sha'ul and once by David - hence the double Lashon "Som Tasim". From then on, the throne (of the kings of Yehudah) was inherited - from father to son.

2

Presumably by means of the Urim ve'Tumim.

6)

Why does the Torah repeat "Tasim alecha Melech"?

1.

Kidushin 32b: To teach us that a king cannot forego his honor 1 - 'she'Tehei Eimaso alecha'.

2.

Sanhedrin, 22a and Sifri #1: To teach us that one be constantly awe-stricken before the king, and that consequently, one may not ride on his horse, sit on his throne, use his scepter see him whilst he is having a hair-cut, when he is naked or whilst he is in the bath-house. 2

3.

Sifri #2: To teach us that it is a Mitzvah to appoint a king. 3

4.

Yerushalmi Kidushin, 4:5: To include all important appointments in the current restriction - such as heads of police, Gaba'ei Tzedakah, the scribes of Beis-Din and those who whip the malcreants. 4


1

Because his honor, which is a reflection of Kavod Shamayim, is not his to forego.

2

This is something that distinguished the era of the kings from that of the Shoftim. See Oznayim la'Torah, DH 'Som Tasim' #1.

3

See Torah Temimah, note 78.

4

Refer to 17:15:1.1:5.

7)

What are the connotations of "Lo Suchal La'seis alecha Ish Nochri"?

1.

Rashbam: It is a prohibition against appointing a Nochri king to fight their battles - because he will lead them astray to serve Avodah Zarah. 1

2.

Oznayim la'Torah #1: It means, not literally a Nochri, but somewhat who is estranged from the Torah. 2

3.

Oznayim la'Torah #2: It means that, even if a Nochri offers to rule over Yisrael, they should refuse his offer. 3


1

Neither the Rashbam nor Targum Onkelos, in answer #3, contend with the main point of the question. Presumably, they will both learn like the Ramban in answer #1.

2

See Oznayim la'Torah, DH 'mi'Kerev Achecha', who proves that Targum Yonasan also interprets "Ish Nochri" in this way.

3

See Oznayim la'Torah, DH 'Lo Suchal ... '.

8)

Seeing as the king is chosen by a Navi, what does the Torah mean when it writes "Lo Suchal Laseis alecha Ish Nochri"?

1.

Ramban #1: To teach us that, even if, for some reason, Hakadosh-Baruch-Hu declines to answer through Nevi'im, it is forbidden to crown a Nochri king.

Sefer: Perek: Pasuk:
Month: Day: Year:
Month: Day: Year:

KIH Logo
D.A.F. Home Page
Sponsorships & DonationsReaders' FeedbackMailing ListsTalmud ArchivesAsk the KollelDafyomi WeblinksDafyomi CalendarOther Yomi calendars