בס”ד
What Can We Learn from These Biblical Events?
Introduction
In the history of the Bible, we encounter stories that challenge us to deeply reflect on the nature of humanity, the moral order of the world, and how nations relate to G-d. Two key events that reflect humanity’s tendency toward rebellion and chaos are the revolt of Absalom against his father, King David, and the future war of G-g and Magog. Both events offer valuable insights into human nature and the consequences of disregarding divine principles. In Psalm 2, we see the anger of the nations as they rebel against G-d’s anointed king, and in Psalm 3, David finds himself in the midst of an uprising, specifically that of his own son, Absalom. But why do these two psalms follow one another? Is there a connection between the outrage of the nations in Psalm 2 and Absalom’s rebellion in Psalm 3? This question leads to intriguing reflections on the dynamics of rebellion against authority, both on a universal scale and within the personal situation of David.
Absalom’s Revolt – The Son Against His Father
Absalom, the son of King David, staged a rebellion to seize the throne (2 Samuel 15-18). More than a political conflict, this was a profound personal and moral betrayal. As the son of the king, Absalom was in line for succession, yet he chose to undermine and rebel against his own father.
What makes Absalom’s rebellion particularly tragic is the ease with which many Israelites followed him, despite David’s record of righteous leadership. This highlights a recurring pattern in history: when people lose their moral compass, they become susceptible to deception and charismatic but destructive leadership. Absalom’s revolt was not merely a challenge to David’s authority—it was a challenge to the divine order that had established David as king.
Gog and Magog – The World Against G-d
A much greater conflict will take place in the end times, when the nations unite against Israel and G-d in the war of Gog and Magog, as described in Ezekiel 38-39 In Psalm 2, the rejection of G-d’s authority by the nations is foretold:
| 1 Why are the nations in an uproar? And why do the peoples mutter in vain? | א לָמָּה, רָגְשׁוּ גוֹיִם; וּלְאֻמִּים, יֶהְגּוּ-רִיק. |
| 2 The kings of the earth stand up, and the rulers take counsel together, against the L-RD, and against His anointed: | ב יִתְיַצְּבוּ, מַלְכֵי-אֶרֶץ– וְרוֹזְנִים נוֹסְדוּ-יָחַד: עַל-ד’, וְעַל-מְשִׁיחוֹ. |
| 3 ‘Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.’ | ג נְנַתְּקָה, אֶת-מוֹסְרוֹתֵימוֹ; וְנַשְׁלִיכָה מִמֶּנּוּ עֲבֹתֵימוֹ. |
It is remarkable that nations, which have received the knowledge of the One True G-d, will still turn against Him. Just as Absalom once betrayed his father, so too will nations in the future turn against G-d and His people.
The Cause of These Uprisings
Both Absalom’s revolt and the war of Gog and Magog stem from a common issue: the rejection of Divine principles. When people abandon the ethical foundations that uphold society, chaos ensues. The Bible repeatedly warns that moral decay leads to destruction, as individuals and nations become susceptible to false ideologies and deceptive leaders.
Throughout history, societies that disregard Divine laws fall into disorder. The human mind, when detached from truth, is vulnerable to manipulation and moral corruption. The failure to uphold justice and righteousness invites chaos, whether in the form of internal political strife or global conflicts.
The Seven Noahide Laws: A Foundation for Moral Order
To counteract moral decline, the Bible provides a universal ethical system. The Lubavitcher Rebbe emphasized the significance of the Seven Noahide Laws not only as ethical guidelines but as a divine blueprint for bringing harmony and the presence of G-d into the world. According to the Rebbe, these laws are fundamental for all of humanity, not just the Jewish people. He taught that the observance of the Noahide Laws by all nations plays a crucial role in preparing the world for the Messianic era, a time when peace and justice will reign universally. By upholding these universal moral principles, humanity not only prevents disorder and destruction but also contributes to the ultimate purpose of creation: the revelation of G-d’s sovereignty over the entire world. Through this, the nations of the world align themselves with the divine mission, actively participating in the transformation of the world into a place of righteousness, peace, and holiness.
In this context, it is important to understand the Seven Noahide Laws. These laws, originally given to Noah and his descendants after the flood, form the foundation for moral living for all of humanity. They apply to all nations, not just Israel, and are considered the fundamental principles of justice.
The seven laws are:
- 1 The prohibition of Idolatry – Belief in G-d
- 2 The prohibition of Blasphemy – Bless G-d (do not curse G-d)
- 3 The prohibition of Murder and Injury – Guard the sanctity of Human life
- 4 The prohibition of Eating Meat that was Removed from a Living Animal – Respect Animal life and don’t be cruel
- 5 The prohibition of Theft – Respect Ownership and property of another person
- 6 The prohibition of Forbidden Sexual Relations – Respect Family life
- 7 The obligation for Laws and Courts – Prevent injustice.
When these laws are followed, the world remains in moral balance. When they are neglected, chaos and sin arise, leading to uprisings and destruction, as we see in the cases of Absalom and Gog and Magog.
The Solution: G-d’s Revelation and Restoration
Despite the chaos and rebellion in the world, the Bible offers hope: G-d will reveal Himself again. In Ezekiel 38:23, we read:
| 23 Thus will I magnify Myself, and sanctify Myself, and I will make Myself known in the eyes of many nations; and they shall know that I am the L-RD | כג וְהִתְגַּדִּלְתִּי, וְהִתְקַדִּשְׁתִּי, וְנוֹדַעְתִּי, לְעֵינֵי גּוֹיִם רַבִּים; וְיָדְעוּ, כִּי-אֲנִי ד’. |
Just as G-d revealed Himself to Israel in the past, He will reveal Himself again to the world. The ultimate solution to humanity’s moral disorder is not in our own strength but in G-d’s direct intervention. Only when He reveals Himself fully will the truth be restored, and justice will reign.
Conclusion: What Does This Mean for Us?
- The world may seem chaotic at times, but we must remember that G-d is always in control.
- The Noahide Laws provide a timeless guideline for living a moral and righteous life. Following these laws is essential for the stability of the world.
- We must remain vigilant and not be misled by ideologies that undermine moral principles, but stay true to G-d’s truth.
- Ultimately, G-d will reveal Himself and restore all things, and the world will be governed by justice and peace.
Let us remain mindful of these principles and align our lives with the divine truth that has been given to us. Only then can we build a world that is just and in harmony with G-d’s will.
By Angelique Sijbolts
With thanks to Batya Yaniger for the inspiration and feedback and to Rabbi Tani Burton for his feedback
Source of inspiration
Ein Aya by Rabbi A. Kook Berachot 10 par 126
© Copyright, all rights reserved. If you enjoyed this article, we encourage you to distribute it further.
Our blogs may contain text/quotes/references/links that include copyright material of Mechon-Mamre.org, Aish.com, Sefaria.org, Chabad.org, and/or AskNoah.org, which we use in accordance with their policies.
