בס”דI

Integrating Torah into one’s life through reflection and conversation can be an incredibly fun and engaging experience. It’s a journey of discovery, where ancient wisdom and timeless teachings come to life in our daily experiences. Through reflection, we have the opportunity to dive deep into the rich tapestry of Torah, extracting profound insights and lessons that resonate with our modern lives. The joy lies in the ‘aha’ moments, those instances when a Torah verse or story suddenly connects with our personal challenges, aspirations, and values. And when we engage in conversations about Torah with others, it becomes an interactive exploration, where diverse perspectives and interpretations enhance our understanding. These dialogues often spark excitement and intellectual curiosity, making the learning process both enjoyable and fulfilling. Torah becomes a vibrant and dynamic part of our lives, offering not just guidance but also a source of endless fascination, connection, and growth.

NOTE: Don’t feel obligated to go through every source or answer all the questions—unless you want to. Even one source, or one question will give you plenty of material for discussion and meditation. Enjoy this!

PARSHAS SHOFTIM: WHAT’S THE DEAL WITH HORSES?

“When you come into the land that the Lord your G-d is giving you… you shall surely set over yourself a king whom the Lord your G-d shall choose… Only he shall not multiply horses to himself, nor cause the people to return to Egypt in order to multiply horses, for the Lord has said to you: ‘You shall never return that way again.’”
(Deuteronomy 17:14–16)

This week’s Torah portion introduces the mitzvah of appointing a king. Strikingly, the Torah places strict limits on royal power. A king may not hoard wealth, take too many wives, or—most curiously—amass too many horses. Why the special concern about horses?

Horses and Egypt

Rashi explains that the king may keep only as many horses as are required for his chariots and military service. Anything beyond that is excess. The Sages note that Egypt was famous for breeding the best horses, and kings would naturally turn there to supply their armies. But this would mean reopening trade and dependence with the very land from which Israel had been redeemed. The Torah warns: “you shall never return that way again.”

Egypt represents more than a geographical place—it is the symbol of slavery, pride, and misplaced dependence on human power. Amassing horses from Egypt risked both a practical return and a spiritual regression.

Power Without Pride

Other commentators focus on the effect of horses on the king himself. Horses are magnificent, swift, awe-inspiring creatures, and they lend grandeur to their rider. Too many horses, however, can inflate a ruler’s ego. The king of Israel was not meant to project absolute power, but to embody accountability to G-d. Even his glory had to be bounded by humility.

King David captured this perfectly: “Some trust in chariots, and some in horses, but we call upon the name of the Lord our G-d” (Psalm 20:8). Strength and technology are not the source of salvation. They are tools—but ultimate power belongs only to G-d.

What Does This Mean for Us?

This lesson extends far beyond ancient monarchs. Every age has its “horses”—symbols of speed, strength, and prestige. Today they may be cars, machines, or technology. These things can be blessings when used wisely, but curses when they become sources of pride, addiction, or false security.

For Noahides, the message is clear: true greatness does not come from amassing possessions or appearances of power. It comes from humility, responsibility, and remembering that all authority and ability are entrusted to us by G-d. To rely on the gift while forgetting the Giver is to return to “Egypt”—a mindset of slavery to things.

A Word of Caution

Here too we must recall Rambam’s warning against mechadesh dat—creating new commandments. Noahides are not bound by the specific mitzvah of limiting horses, nor by the institution of kingship in Israel. What you are bound to is the universal principle behind it: resisting pride, idolatry, and misplaced trust in power.

Now, reflect on the following questions:

  1. What are the “horses” in my life—the things I rely on for strength, status, or control?
  2. Do I see my tools and possessions as means to serve G-d, or as ends in themselves?
  3. In what ways might I be tempted to “return to Egypt,” leaning on unhealthy dependencies?
  4. How do I balance dignity and responsibility with humility before G-d?
  5. Do I place my ultimate trust in technology, wealth, or status—or in the One who grants them all?

Shabbat Shalom!

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By Rabbi Tani Burton

If you want more questions for contemplation, SEE THE OTHER BLOGS FROM RABBI TANI BURTON ABOUT DE PARSHAT QUESTIONS

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