Mishneh Torah, Kings and Wars 4

Sugya Map

• Issue: The scope of Mishpat HaMelech (the King's Law) and specifically the nature of pilegesh (concubine) in the context of royal prerogative.
• Nafka Mina(s): The halachic validity of a pilegesh without kiddushin; the distinction between royal and commoner marital structures.
• Primary Sources: Mishneh Torah, Kings and Wars 4:4; I Samuel 8:11-17; Deuteronomy 20:11.

Text Snapshot

Rambam states: "וְכֵן לוֹ לָקַח נָשִׁים וּפִילַגְשִׁים מִכָּל גְּבוּל אֶרֶץ יִשְׂרָאֵל. נָשִׁים – בִּכְתֻבָּה וְקִדּוּשִׁין, וּפִילַגְשִׁים – בְּלֹא כְּתֻבָּה וְלֹא קִדּוּשִׁין. וּבְיִחוּד בִּלְבַד קוֹנֶה אוֹתָהּ וּמֻתֶּרֶת לוֹ. אֲבָל הַהֶדְיוֹט אָסוּר בְּפִילֶגֶשׁ..." (MT Kings and Wars 4:4)

• Dikduk/Leshon: Rambam contrasts nashim (with ketubah/kiddushin) with pilegashim (lacking both). "וּבְיִחוּד בִּלְבַד קוֹנֶה אוֹתָהּ" emphasizes minimal royal acquisition, juxtaposed with "אֲבָל הַהֶדְיוֹט אָסוּר בְּפִילֶגֶשׁ," highlighting unique prerogative.

Readings

• Raavad (ad loc.): Contradicts Rambam, arguing a pilegesh requires kiddushin but no ketubah, citing Yevamot 21b regarding kedushat ishut.
• Kesef Mishneh (ad loc.): Defends Rambam. Raavad's pilegesh is a regular wife sans ketubah. Rambam's pilegesh is a unique biblical status for the king, acquired by yichud, distinct from standard kiddushin, derived from parshat melech.

Friction

Kushya: Raavad queries how yichud alone permits relations without kiddushin, given general kedushat ishut requirements. (Raavad, MT Kings and Wars 4:4) Terutz: Kesef Mishneh explains parshat melech (I Sam. 8) grants the king unique pilegesh rights via yichud. This is a specific royal privilege, not standard marital law, rooted in I Sam. 8:13.

Intertext

• Sanhedrin 21a-b: Discusses king's wives/concubines (Deut. 17:17), implying a distinct status.
• Rambam, Hilchot Ishut 1:4: Forbids pilegesh for commoners, reinforcing royal exception.

Psak/Practice

Rambam's prohibition of pilegesh for commoners (without kiddushin) is accepted le-halacha. The king's pilegesh, acquired by yichud, remains a unique mishpat melech not applicable to commoners. This illustrates mishpat melech's power to establish fundamentally distinct halachic categories.

Takeaway

Mishpat HaMelech isn't just enforcement; it can define unique halachic statuses and acquisition methods, fundamentally altering halacha within the royal domain.