Mishneh Torah, Kings and Wars 3

Shalom, my friend! So glad you're here to explore a little bit of Jewish wisdom with me. No fancy robes, no secret handshakes, just a friendly chat about some really cool ideas.

Hook

Ever feel like you’re juggling a million things, trying to make good choices, and sometimes just wishing you had a built-in GPS for life? Or maybe you’ve wondered how people in positions of power manage to stay grounded and make decisions that truly serve others, not just themselves. It's a big challenge, right? Today, we're going to peek into an ancient text that gives some surprisingly practical advice, not just for kings, but for anyone who wants to live a life of purpose and integrity.

Context

Let's set the scene for our text today:

• Who wrote it? This wisdom comes from a brilliant thinker named Moses Maimonides, often called the Rambam. He was a doctor, a philosopher, and one of the greatest Jewish scholars ever.
• When was he around? The Rambam lived in the 12th century – think knights and castles, but in a very different part of the world!
• Where was he living? He spent much of his life in Egypt, writing and teaching.
• What is this text from? It's from his massive work called the Mishneh Torah. Think of it as a super-organized, comprehensive guide to Jewish law, kind of like a spiritual encyclopedia.
  • Mishneh Torah: A huge book of Jewish law, organized for clarity.

Text Snapshot

Our text today is from the Rambam's Mishneh Torah, specifically the section on "Kings and Wars" (Chapter 3). It lays out some fascinating rules for a Jewish king. Listen to this:

"During a king's reign, he must write a Torah scroll for himself... The second [Torah scroll], which should not move from his presence except when he enters a lavatory, the baths, or other places in which it is not fit to read the words of Torah. When he goes to war, this scroll should accompany him. When he returns, it should accompany him. When he sits in judgement, it should be with him. When he dines, it should be opposite him, as Deuteronomy 17:19 states: 'It should accompany him and he should read it all the days of his life.'

He may not amass many horses, only what is necessary for his cavalry... He may not amass silver and gold to keep in his personal treasury in order to boost his pride or allow him to glorify himself. Rather, he may collect only what is necessary to pay his soldiers, servants, and attendants."

(Mishneh Torah, Kings and Wars 3, found at: https://www.sefaria.org/Mishneh_Torah%2C_Kings_and_Wars_3 )

Close Reading

Wow, a king with a personal Torah scroll that never leaves his side? And rules about how much stuff he can have? This isn't your average "live like a king" scenario! Let's unpack a few insights from this text that we can actually use in our own lives.

Insight 1: Your Personal "Torah Scroll" – A Constant Moral Compass

The Rambam tells us the king must have two Torah scrolls. A Torah scroll is a holy, handwritten Hebrew book of the first five books of the Bible. One is for his treasury, but the other? It's his constant companion. It goes with him to war, to court, even to dinner! (Though not the bathroom, because, you know, respect.) This isn't just about reading; it's about constant awareness. Imagine having your core values, your deepest beliefs, right there with you, always visible, always reminding you of what truly matters.

• Why is this a big deal? Because power can be intoxicating. It's easy to get swept up in personal desires, ego, or the demands of the moment. Having that scroll always present forces the king to connect his actions, his judgments, his very existence, to a higher purpose. It's a physical reminder that he's accountable to something beyond himself. Think of it like a moral mirror that constantly reflects back: "Are you living up to your best self? Are you acting with integrity?"
• How does this apply to us? Most of us aren't kings, but we all have moments of leadership or influence, even if it's just over our own choices. What's your personal "Torah scroll"? It could be a core family value, a spiritual principle you believe in, a quote that inspires you, or even just a deep commitment to kindness. How can you keep that guiding principle "with you" all the time? Maybe it's a small note on your desk, a reminder on your phone, or a moment of reflection each morning. The idea is to consciously carry your values with you, so they can inform your decisions throughout the day, just like that scroll guided the king.

Insight 2: Power for Purpose, Not Personal Perks

The text is super clear about what the king can't do: amass too many horses, silver, or gold for himself. Why? "To boost his pride or allow him to glorify himself." Ouch. Instead, any wealth he collects is for the community – to pay soldiers, care for the people, and even to be stored in the Temple treasury for communal needs. This isn't about personal luxury; it's about public service.

• What's the message here? The king's position isn't a license for personal indulgence; it's a sacred trust. His resources aren't his; they belong to the people he serves. This challenges a common perception of power, where leaders often accumulate wealth and status for their own pleasure. The Rambam is saying: "Nope. Your job is to facilitate the well-being of the nation, not to build your personal empire." It’s a powerful lesson in humility and stewardship.
• How does this apply to us? Again, we might not be kings, but we all have "resources" – our time, our talents, our money, our influence. Do we primarily use these for personal gain and glorification, or do we see them as tools to contribute to our families, communities, or the wider world? This isn't about giving away everything you own, but about checking your motivations. When you make a decision, ask yourself: "Am I doing this to 'boost my pride' or 'glorify myself,' or am I genuinely trying to make a positive impact?" Even small choices, like how you spend your free time or share your skills, can reflect this principle.

Insight 3: The King is Not Above the Law (or a Good Talk)

The text mentions that even kings of the Davidic dynasty could be judged and have testimony given against them. This is huge! In many ancient societies, kings were seen as divine or above reproach. But here, a Jewish king is subject to the same legal process as anyone else. This is a radical idea: even the most powerful person is accountable. It also mentions that he shouldn't be "overly indulgent" with wives or drink to intoxication, but rather be involved in Torah study.

• Why is this important? It reinforces the idea that true leadership isn't about absolute immunity, but about absolute accountability. It's about leading by example, not by exemption. The king's job is not just to make laws, but to embody them. His personal conduct matters immensely because "his heart is the heart of the entire congregation of Israel." If he strays, the whole nation feels it. The focus on Torah study over indulgence highlights that wisdom and moral clarity are the true sources of strength, not excessive pleasure.
• How does this apply to us? We all have an "inner kingdom" – our own thoughts, habits, and choices. And sometimes, we might feel like we're "above the law" when it comes to our own personal discipline (e.g., "just one more cookie won't hurt," "I'll start exercising tomorrow"). This text reminds us that consistency in our personal lives, adhering to our own internal "laws" of self-care and ethical behavior, is crucial. Furthermore, the idea that a king can be judged speaks to the importance of being open to feedback and correction, no matter our status. Even if you're the "boss" of your household or a project, being humble enough to listen and learn from others is a sign of true strength.

Apply It

This week, let's try a tiny, doable practice inspired by the king's ever-present Torah scroll.

For just 60 seconds each morning, before your day gets too crazy, pick one core value that's important to you. It could be kindness, honesty, patience, generosity, or focus. Write it down on a sticky note or just say it aloud to yourself. Now, imagine carrying that value with you throughout the day. When you face a small decision – how to respond to an email, what to prioritize, how to speak to a loved one – briefly remember that value. Did it influence your choice? No pressure, just notice. It’s a small way to invite your own "moral compass" to accompany you.

Chevruta Mini

A chevruta is a traditional Jewish way of learning with a partner, discussing ideas and digging deeper together. Grab a friend, a family member, or just think these through yourself!

1. The text suggests that the king's resources (money, horses) should be for the community, not personal pride. Where in your own life do you find yourself tempted to accumulate things purely for personal status or pride, and what might it look like to redirect some of that energy towards serving others?
2. Imagine you have a "personal Torah scroll" – a constant reminder of your most cherished value or principle. What would that value be, and how do you think having such a clear, ever-present reminder might change your daily decisions?

Takeaway

Even those with great power are truly served by humility, constant wisdom, and a deep commitment to the well-being of others.