Against Monarchy Ma

Morad Aryeh

Oct. 20,2009

Nach

Rabbi Pittinsky

Disadvantages of a King Monarchy is not compatible with the Jewish people and this is proven by their experiences with it. Many of the kings became greedy, perverse, or corrupt. This is especially shown by kings Jeroboam ben Nevat and Saul. In the beginning of his kingship Saul was a good king. However, after jealousy took over the king he became somewhat of an evil person. Kings should not be the sole ruler of a country, especially Israel because they could possibly give in to their desires and feelings. Some even say Saul went insane and having a somewhat insane and easily tempered king is not good for the people. Jeroboam ben Nevat is said to be the worst king of Israel’s kings. As it says in the book of Melachim, he himself caused Israel to sin. Jeroboam erected idols, and a new temple in order to cause the Jews to worship Baal. He also built two golden calves which he claimed would represent G-d. This is a perfect example of why there should be no king of Israel. Kings can gain to much power and control, and

therefore change the people for the worse. Kings can also be perverted and by others just as Jeroboam was by his wife Jezebel. A king can truly be dangerous for the people. Kings can be fooled, perverted, tricked, power hungry, greedy, and make decisions that could cost the country many lives. All of these things greatly impact the kingdoms future and can end it altogether. It seems as though there was never a perfect king, and this could be because there is no such thing as a perfect person. Every king had their issues, whether it was the wise Solomon and his too many wives, or the greedy Saul.