A King’s Balance – Parshas Shoftim 5769
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Loading ...והיתה עמו וקרא בו כל ימי חייו למען ילמד ליראה את ה’ אלקיו (יז:יט).
“The Sefer Torah shall be with him (the king) always…” (17:19).
The Jewish king is required to have a Sefer Torah with him everywhere that he goes. Additionally, he must have another Sefer Torah kept at all times in his home. What is the significance of these requirements?
The Gemara (Berachos 34) tells us that there are four times that we common folk must bow during the course of the Shmoneh Esrey prayer. When the king prays he must bow at the beginning and end of each Berachah! Reb Yitzchok bar Nachmayni argues and states that the king should bow for the first Berachah and just stay down there prostrated before Hashem until his conclusion of the entire Shmoneh Esrey! What is being taught here?!
Rashi fills us in with one simple line. “He who is more respected by people is more susceptible to haughtiness, and thus must prostrate and lower himself before Hashem more!”
A king is a powerful and respectable person. It is easy for him to get distracted by his own self-worth and forget about Hashem. Thus, the Torah and Rabbinical law place additional commandments upon him to help teach him to be humble! The Torah states that he should have a Torah scroll in his private living quarters and that he should also carry one with him wherever he goes! He must constantly remember how important the adherence of Torah law is and that he is to be the role model for the Nation in how to be a true servant of Hashem! When he prays Shemoneh Esrey he must humble himself as well!
This carries over to all aspects in life. Chazal (Pirkey D’R’Eliezer 16) tell us, “Chosson domeh L’Melech, the groom is like a king!” What is being stated here?
Rabbi Dessler explains a most interesting point here. A king lives with two contradictory jobs. On the one hand, he must demand respect from his subjects, so much so that he is not even permitted to forgive of his honor! On the other hand, the Torah states that the king must be sure that he does not become haughty. How does he perform these opposing duties? The answer is that the job required of him is precise balance and care. On the outside he must appear royal; on the inside he must be dedicated unconditionally to Hashem!
The Chosson’s job is to emulate this king. On the outside it appears that he is simply marrying a physically beautiful Kallah, bride. One may think that this union is being formed for materialistic and lustful reasons. But he must also have on his mind the tremendous spiritual opportunity of growth and closeness to Hashem which having his partner will afford him. This may be contrary to what it looks like on the outside! This is the delicate balancing act required of this “king”!
Chazal (Eruvin 54a) say that this world is like a wedding. Our job is to be like that groom. This is the challenge of life. Many actions we do are in truth a contradiction to this reality. We work and put in effort to earn money, but really it is Hashem who is providing for us. Our hearts beat and give us life, but really Hashem is the one making our hearts pump! In every situation we must know and feel Hashem’s presence.
Indeed, none of us are actual kings or queens, but the message is still relevant. In life, there are daily opportunities for us to become haughty and forget about Hashem. True, we should be proud of our accomplishments, however, this should not allow us to thereby diminish our efforts, rather this should encourage us to grow higher and better. True fulfillment comes from closeness to Hashem! This is the lesson of the king. Hashem promised Dovid HaMelech that his kingdom would continue as long as they were truly dedicated to Hashem. May this be fulfilled speedily!
Categories: Parshas Shoftim
