Mishneh Torah, Kings and Wars 6

Hi there, future Jewish wisdom-seeker! So glad you're here. Ready for a quick dive into some fascinating Jewish thought?

Hook

Ever feel like the world is full of tough choices, where you have to balance being strong with being kind? Or maybe you've wondered if ancient texts have anything to say about modern problems like war, peace, or even taking care of our planet? Today, we're going to peek into a Jewish legal masterpiece that tackles these very questions, showing us a surprising and deeply ethical approach to some of life's biggest challenges. It's like finding a wise old friend who has surprisingly practical advice for today.

Context

Let's set the scene for our learning adventure!

• Who wrote it? This wisdom comes from Rabbi Moshe ben Maimon, better known as Maimonides or the Rambam (a Hebrew acronym for his name). He was a superstar scholar, doctor, and philosopher back in the day – think Jewish Renaissance man!
• When was it written? The Rambam lived in the 12th century, during medieval times, writing his works from places like Spain and Egypt. It’s wild to think these ideas are nearly a thousand years old!
• Where is this text from? We're looking at a piece from his monumental work called the Mishneh Torah.
• What is the Mishneh Torah? It's a massive, organized guide to all Jewish laws, written in clear Hebrew. Think of it as a spiritual GPS for Jewish life, covering everything from holidays to daily ethics, and even, as we'll see today, the rules of engagement in conflict.

Text Snapshot

Let's look at a small, powerful snippet from the Rambam's Mishneh Torah, in the section called "Kings and Wars."

"War... should not be waged against anyone until they are offered the opportunity of peace as Deuteronomy 20:10 states: 'When you approach a city to wage war against it, you should propose a peaceful settlement.' If the enemy accepts the offer of peace and commits itself to the fulfillment of the seven mitzvot that were commanded to Noah's descendents, none of them should be killed. Rather, they should be subjugated... They must accept both [subjugation and tribute]."

You can find the full text here: https://www.sefaria.org/Mishneh_Torah%2C_Kings_and_Wars_6

Close Reading

Wow, even a short paragraph gives us so much to chew on! Let's unpack a few key insights that you can totally relate to.

Insight 1: Peace Before Everything (Even War!)

The very first thing the Rambam tells us, even when discussing the serious topic of war, is that you must offer peace first. This isn't just a suggestion; it's a fundamental principle, rooted in the Torah itself (Deuteronomy 20:10). Imagine that! Even if you're preparing for conflict, the door to peace has to be wide open.

This applies even to two kinds of wars mentioned:

• Milchemet hareshut: An optional war, fought for expansion or defense.
• Milchemet mitzvah: A commanded war, like fighting against Amalek.

Even in these situations, the first move is always to propose a peaceful settlement. What does that "peaceful settlement" involve, according to the Rambam? It's not just a handshake; it comes with conditions. The other side must agree to two main things:

1. Accept the "Seven Mitzvot of Noah": These are universal basic laws given to all humanity. They include things like not murdering, not stealing, not worshipping idols, and establishing justice. They're like the bedrock of a civilized society, applicable to everyone, Jew and non-Jew alike. By accepting these, they're agreeing to a basic moral framework.
2. Accept subjugation and tribute: This means they would be on a "lower level," not raising their heads against Israel, and providing financial and labor support to the king. It's a pretty tough condition, but the Rambam is clear: they must accept both. The idea isn't to obliterate, but to integrate in a structured, hierarchical way, while still preserving their lives. The text even highlights that it's forbidden to lie or be untruthful when making such a covenant. Honesty, even in these difficult situations, is paramount. This emphasizes that while the terms might be harsh, the process must be fair and transparent. This whole approach shows a deep-seated Jewish value: life is precious, and even in conflict, we look for alternatives to bloodshed. It's a powerful statement about prioritizing human life and moral order over simple conquest.

Insight 2: Care for the Earth, Even in Conflict (Ba'al Tashchit)

Now, let's shift gears a bit. The Rambam's discussion on war also includes some surprisingly modern-sounding environmental ethics. When laying siege to a city, the text states a few remarkable things:

• Don't surround the city on all four sides: You must leave one side open. Why? So people have a way to escape! It's not about trapping and annihilating; it's about providing an option for survival. This is a powerful testament to the value of human life, even in the heat of battle.
• Do not destroy fruit trees: This is a big one! The Torah (Deuteronomy 20:19) explicitly says, "Do not destroy its trees." The Rambam takes this further, stating that anyone who cuts down a fruit tree with destructive intent should be lashed (a form of punishment). This principle, called Ba'al Tashchit (do not destroy), extends beyond trees to include breaking utensils, tearing garments, destroying buildings, or ruining food with destructive intent. It's a radical idea for warfare, saying, "Hey, let's not trash the planet just because we're fighting." The world belongs to God, and we are its caretakers, even when things get messy.

Of course, there are practical exceptions: you can cut down a fruit tree if it's causing damage, or if it's super old and barely producing, or if its wood is needed and valuable. The point isn't to be impractical, but to avoid senseless destruction. It's about mindful stewardship, even amidst chaos. This teaches us that responsibility for our environment is a core Jewish value, always.

Insight 3: Dignity and Holiness in Every Detail

Finally, the Rambam delves into some very practical, yet deeply meaningful, aspects of army life. These small details reveal a profound respect for human dignity and the presence of the Divine.

• Burial of the fallen: A soldier killed in war is to be buried right where they fall. This might seem simple, but it ensures immediate dignity and respect for the deceased, without delay, wherever they may be.
• Hygiene in the camp: This one might make you chuckle, but it's incredibly serious. Soldiers are commanded to designate a place outside the camp for lavatories and to carry a spike with their weapons to dig a hole, relieve themselves, and then cover their excrement. The reason given is profound: "God walks among your camp,... therefore, your camp shall be holy" (Deuteronomy 23:15). Even in a military camp, personal hygiene isn't just about health; it's about maintaining a holy environment because God's presence is there. Every soldier contributes to the sacredness of the space. It’s a powerful reminder that holiness isn't just in synagogues or on holidays; it's in the everyday, seemingly mundane details of our lives, even in a field of battle. This teaches us that respecting our bodies, our environment, and our communal space is a way of honoring the Divine presence in our lives.

Apply It

Okay, so what can we actually do with these ancient, profound insights this week? Let's take that "do not destroy" (Ba'al Tashchit) idea. This week, for just 60 seconds a day (or even just once!), simply notice one thing you might usually throw away, break, or use carelessly. Maybe it's a plastic bag, a piece of paper, or even extra food. Before you discard it, pause. Ask yourself: "Can I reuse this? Can I fix this? Can I truly finish this food?" It's not about being perfect, but about cultivating a tiny moment of mindfulness, recognizing the value in resources, and avoiding wasteful destruction. It's a small step towards seeing the world as a sacred trust, just as the Rambam taught.

Chevruta Mini

A chevruta is a Jewish study partnership, like a friendly chat to deepen understanding! Grab a friend, family member, or even just ponder these yourself:

1. The Rambam says we must offer peace first, even with tough conditions. Can you think of a situation in your own life (maybe a disagreement or a conflict) where offering a genuine "peace settlement" first, even if it feels difficult, could change the outcome?
2. The idea of "do not destroy" (Ba'al Tashchit) applies even to everyday things like tearing clothes or wasting food. What's one small change you could make this week to be less wasteful, inspired by this ancient wisdom?

Takeaway

Remember this: Jewish wisdom, even on tough topics like war, constantly points us towards peace, mindful stewardship of the earth, and maintaining human dignity, because holiness is found in all aspects of life.