The (Second) Book of Samuel: chapter 6a

Welcome to 2 Samuel, Shmuel part Bet, chapter vav, part a

Episode 35: Carried Away

After having reached the zenith of his political career King David seeks to synthesize his kingship with Hashem by escorting the Ark (last seen early in Shmuel part Aleph) to his newfound capital, Jerusalem. All seemed to be going well, until tragedy struck. Death leads the disbanding of the cavalcade; David is unsure if his mission is in line with God's intent. After divine blessing is shown the parade resumes.

Later David comes home to bless his wife only to be berated for his behavior. David responds in kind and the chapter ends with a punishment of the last vestige of Shaul's children.

But we are only scratching the surface. Why did the Aron seem to fall? What went wrong the first time and right the second? Who is the mysterious Oved-Edom and why in fact was Uzzah killed?

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Bonus: Loin Girding Instructions (h/t Dr. Charles)

The (Second) Book of Samuel: chapters 4 & 5

Welcome to 2 Samuel, Shmuel part Bet, chapters daled and heh

Episode 34: From Cellophane to Camelot

[We begin with a rousing rendition of Mr. Cellophane (Chicago the Musical)]

Previously on the book of Shmuel (part Bet) we saw how David dealt with a very politically sensitive issue. Avner, who was essentially the puppet master behind the kingship of Ish-Boshet had no sooner agreed to switch to David’s side and unite the monarchy under him, when he is ignominiously murdered by David’s head of the army. We pointed out that while Daid is able to distance himself from that act, he nevertheless capitalizes on it to have Avner buried not in Binyamin but in Yehuda.

This week we will once again see David’s enemies eliminated without his knowledge or consent. Once that is sorted it is finally time for David’s monarchy and character arc to reach its pinnacle. Everything goes right, and for a time we are able to enter Camelot. Let’s savor it while it lasts.

The (Second) Book of Samuel: chapter 3

Welcome to 2 Samuel, Shmuel part Bet, chapter 3

Episode 33: If You Be Mine

Previously on the book of Shmuel (part Bet) we saw Avner emerge as a major character, being both a king maker and a king’s nephew slayer. The skill involved in his murder of Asa’el is not trifling and surprisingly redounds against him. We also saw that when kings are absent, the troops may decide to act brashly, with an outcome that, it seems nobody really wanted. As we move to chapter 3 Avner again takes center stage. Two wrongs perhaps lead to a third and David will once again have to account for events beyond his control.

David, ever the consummate politician, contends with yet another removal of his enemy against his will. Will he manage to unite the monarchy when members of his own army threaten to tear it asunder? Thanks for joining, I hope you enjoy and would be grateful if you could recommend this channel to a friend.

The (Second) Book of Samuel: chapter 2

Welcome to 2 Samuel, Shmuel part Bet, chapter 2

Episode 32: Who Rules Who

This week David becomes king yet again (this is his second inauguration). This time, his monarchy is over his tribe, Yehuda and is immediately tested as his troops come into conflict with those of his rival Ish-Boshet, the son of Shaul and the hereditary ruler of the Jewish people. What ensues is a battle that never should have happened as sparing gives way to warring.

Capped by the tragic death of David nephew Asa'el Avner is forced to retreat as Yoav and David's men claim victory. Next week we will see the repercussions of a battle that takes place in the strategic location of Give'on.

Thanks for joining, I hope you enjoy and would be grateful if you could recommend this channel to a friend.

Welcome to 2 Samuel, Shmuel part Bet, chapter 1

Episode 31: Lying and Dying

This week we transitioned from the death of Shaul to its immediate aftermath. We encounter a bizarre account of shaul's last moments told from the perspective of an outsider, an Amalekite

From a literary perspective the author wants us to recall the tragedy of the death of Eli and his sons from the beginning of Sefer shmuel. The context there is a failure of leadership which begets a national ruination. Such is there case again here where Shaul’s death precipitates a major military loss.

But somehow that loss is not truly our focus, because the paradigm has shifted to the role of the leader. There was no one to lament the death of Eli and his sons, but in our chapter that task falls to David who both acts decisively to show that he will brook no ill will towards his predecessor, as well as showing his compassion and admiration for his liege lord shaul and his dearest friend Yehonatan.

We end our chapter with some unanswered questions around the chronology from the combining of the Shaul and David narratives. Is it possible that David sent gifts from his spoils of war while the nation mourned the death of their king? It should go without saying that we cannot believe the Amalekite's account. He seems to be the first in a number of people who believe they can ingratiate themselves with David by being a part of the downfall of the king's perceived enemies, only to find that in doing so they themselves become David's enemy and are immediately vanquished.

Thanks for joining, I hope you enjoy and would be grateful if you could recommend this channel to a friend.

Welcome to part 2 of our series on the history of halacha entitled away, Apart, the Parting of the Ways Between Judaism and Christianity.

This week we look at a few interesting statements from Chazal regarding Christianity including the only time that the Christian testament is quoted verbatim in the gemarah, by a Taanah no less!

Then we explore whether or not a person or sects beliefs at at the end of Bayit Sheni could have put them beyond the pale. What we find is a Judaism which, while not being very easy to join, was nearly impossible to be cast out of. This to me is utterly remarkable. Pre-Rambam Pharasaic or Rabbinic Judaism was extremely tolerant of a wide range of beliefs, or put another way, once you're in, you're in.

That being the case we will spend next time looking into historical, rather than halachic factors that pushed Christianity out of Judaism

An exploration of the lesson of Tu b'Av as seen through 3 Hosheas