Rambam's Philosophies on Kingship

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Questions and Answers

What is the significance of anointing a king with oil according to the Rambam?

The anointing of a king with oil grants the monarchy to him and his descendants forever.

Why should a king be treated with great honour according to the Rambam?

The context does not provide a specific reason why a king should be treated with great honour. However, it can be inferred that it is because of his position and authority.

What is the significance of a king's physical appearance according to the Rambam?

A king's physical appearance is significant in that he should dress himself in attractive and impressive garments, and have his hair cut every day.

How should a king interact with his people according to the Rambam?

A king should be gracious and merciful to the small and the great, involving himself in their good and welfare, and protecting the honour of even the humblest of men. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of a king's possession according to the Rambam?

A king's possessions are significant in that they should not be used by others, including his horse, throne, sceptre, and crown. Signup and view all the answers

What is the king's responsibility in terms of Torah scrolls according to the Rambam?

A king must write a Torah scroll for himself in addition to the scroll which was left to him by his ancestors. Signup and view all the answers

What is the general attitude that a king should have according to the Rambam?

A king should conduct himself with great modesty and bear the nation's difficulties, burdens, complaints, and anger as a nurse carries an infant. Signup and view all the answers

What was the physical description of Shaul, the future king of Israel?

Shaul was exceptionally handsome and from his shoulders up, he was taller than any of the other people. Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of the gathering called by Shmuel at Mizpah?

To unite the people and introduce them to their new King, Shaul. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Urim Vetumim, and how did it function in Israel?

The Urim Vetumim was the jewelled breast-plate worn by the Kohen Gadol, and it was used to guide the Jewish people in complex or awkward matters, with certain letters lighting up to provide the answer. Signup and view all the answers

What was the debate surrounding Shaul's extreme modesty?

On one hand, Shaul's modesty was seen as a positive trait, but on the other hand, it was deemed unbefitting a king, as it showed a lack of confidence. Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the cry 'Long live the king!' in Israel?

It was the first time this cry was heard in Israel, marking a new era in Israel's leadership. Signup and view all the answers

What was the role of the Kohen Gadol in interpreting the Urim Vetumim?

The Kohen Gadol had to put the lit-up letters together in the right order to work out the answer to the question posed. Signup and view all the answers

How did Shaul's body language affect the people's perception of him?

Shaul's body language showed a lack of confidence, which was unbefitting for a king, and likely took the people by surprise. Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of Shmuel's anointing of Shaul with oil?

It symbolized Hashem's choice of Shaul as the new king of Israel. Signup and view all the answers

What are the two main differences between a Melech and a Shofet?

A Melech is anointed with special oil and has greater powers in national issues, whereas a Shofet is not anointed and has limited powers in national issues. Signup and view all the answers

What is the principal task of King Shaul according to the text?

To fight the Philistines, the coastal people who sought to conquer the territory of Israel. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the king writing his own Torah scroll?

To remind him to keep Jewish law and remember Hashem and not become arrogant. Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of rebelling against a king of Israel?

The rebel may be executed. Signup and view all the answers

What quality does Shaul show in his reaction to Shmuel's hint about his future?

Modesty. Signup and view all the answers

What was the role of a Navi (Prophet) in Israel?

To deliver Hashem's message to the Jews. Signup and view all the answers

Why did the Jewish people ask Shmuel to appoint a king?

They wanted to be like the other nations and have their own king. Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of Shaul's physical stature?

He was a tall and towered above the rest of his townsmen. Signup and view all the answers

What was the role of a Shofet (Judge) in Israel?

To ensure people behave correctly. Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of Shaul's meeting with Shmuel?

Shmuel was to appoint Shaul as the first king of Israel. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Qualities of a King

A king should possess good qualities, such as being good at public speaking, handling finances, being a strong fighter, and having good physical fitness.
Other desirable qualities include being charismatic, diplomatic, intelligent, mature, and popular with the people.
A king should also be fair and just, religious, and from a good family.

Rambam's Laws of Kings

A king is appointed and anointed with special oil, and he and his descendants are granted the monarchy forever.
A king must be treated with great honor, and people are not allowed to use his possessions or sit on his throne.
A king should have his hair cut every day, dress attractively, and sit on his throne in his palace with a crown on his head.
When he desires, the nation must present themselves before him, and they should stand before him and bow down.
A king should be gracious and merciful, protect the honor of even the humblest of men, and bear the nation's difficulties and burdens.
During a king's reign, he must write a Torah scroll for himself and may not amass silver and gold to boost his pride.
A king is forbidden to drink wine to the point of intoxication.

Laws that Apply to the King and Others

Laws that apply to the king: he must write his own Torah scroll, not drink wine to the point of intoxication, and not amass silver and gold.
Laws that apply to others: they must treat the king with honor, not use his possessions, and not sit on his throne.

Leadership in Israel

The roles of 'melech' (king) and 'shofet' (judge) are similar, but a king has greater powers and special laws that apply only to him.
A king is anointed with special oil and has greater powers in national issues.

Shaul, the First King of Israel

Shaul was appointed by Hashem as the first king of Israel, and his principal task was to fight the Philistines.
Shaul's qualities include being tall, handsome, and modest, and these qualities are important for a good king.

Introduction to Shaul

Shaul was the son of Kish, a man from the tribe of Benjamin.
Shaul was sent to find his father's lost donkeys, which led him to meet Shmuel, a prophet.
Shaul was humble and did not expect to be chosen as king.

Qualities of Shaul

Shaul showed modesty and humility when he was told he would be king.
Shaul's reaction showed that he did not expect such an honor.

Public Selection of King

Shmuel called all the people together to unite them and introduce them to their new king, Shaul.
Shaul was hiding and embarrassed about the publicity, but the people shouted "Long live the king!"

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Description

This quiz explores the Rambam's views on the qualities and responsibilities of a king, including anointing, physical appearance, and interaction with the people.