GC#38 - Know Your Place! - Omer Day 24 - a podcast by Amram Landau

When I started researching this particular episode, I never realise what an epic journey it would lead me on. I had an inkling of a feeling, when I thought about the trait of Netzach - of Moshe, coupled with the glory or truth of Yaakov. I had a phrase in mind which was used by Shmuel when rebuking Shaul for not finishing off Agag, king of Amalek, the eternal nemesis of Israel.

But I did not realise how far the connection went. Once you start delving, the comparisons multiply. Shaul - first king of Israel...except he wasn't...Moshe is actually given that title in Devorim. Shaul first king of Israel...except he wasn't...as he is not from Yehuda...and if you say that this invalidates Moshe too, then either way, Shaul is caught as being neither first, nor official...hence his name - meaning borrowed.

But he wouldn't mind, as the great Shaul, like Moshe, is described as humble. But only later, does he realise what it means to use it to its fullest extent. In between, he seems to show jealousy about potential usurping by his son in law and eventual successor, Dovid. In the end, he recognises his place and accepts what Hashem send his way, in a most beautiful and poignant way.

Hard for us to understand and harder still to replicate, but at least we have models to learn from...

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