Have you noticed how politicians in every country, even those only slightly influenced by the teachings of Karl Marx, tend to drive wedges between segments of the electorate? They specialize in fanning the flames of resentment of the poor against the rich. They encourage women to see men as their enemies. And of course they increase hostility between people on the basis of the color of their skin.
Marx encouraged communist leaders to divide the population by class, race, and gender and to exacerbate grudges between them. Secular fundamentalist seekers of political prestige do this almost instinctively. They do it because it consolidates their power. When your constituents are busy fighting each other, they have little time and less energy to oppose you. What is more, they all turn to you as referee, peacemaker, and allocator of rewards.
If you’ve noticed this in politics, you may also have encountered it in business. Many so-called business leaders foment savage battles among those they lead. Doing so makes them more difficult to topple in any boardroom battle. They believe that making team members see one another as competitors is more effective than defeating real marketplace competitors. It is not only for-profit businesses; some churches and synagogues are plagued with this kind of leadership. I have even seen parents who deliberately fuel ferocious fights among their children. It makes them feel more loved by the children who, deprived of sibling support, vie for parental affection. Increasingly we see, masquerading as leaders, men and women who specialize in splitting their followers into warring factions. People are now accustomed to leaders who foster dissent, dispute and division.
A leader does not need to be maliciously intent on this mischief I have been describing. Because squabbling is the default condition of humanity, a “Do-Nothing” leader will have exactly the same effect. In his desperate desire to avoid conflict and escape decision making that will inevitably disappoint somebody, this kind of leader produces the same state of simmering tension in his organization.
Only the rare leader, possessing both a sense of security and a strong character builds unity in his organization as part of his mission. Yet this is precisely what ancient Jewish wisdom expects from leadership.
Though Hebrew words such as ‘manhig’ meaning ‘leader’ have found modern usage in Israel, they don’t exist in Scripture. This is because Scripture is more specific, preferring words for military leaders, religious leaders and so on, rather than a generic leader. The point is that just as a driver of a car is not necessarily able to drive a motorcycle, a jet plane, or a railway locomotive, a leader of one type of organization is not necessarily adept at leading other kinds of groups.
Nonetheless, the Scriptural word most relevant to our exploration of leadership is MeLeCH, translated as king.
As usual, when trying to probe the inner meaning of a word, we locate its first usage in the Torah.
And it came to pass in the days of Amrafel, king [MeLeCH] of Shinar,…
(Genesis 14:1)
That chapter continues to contain more than 25 usages of MeLeCH, king, which is fully one-third of all the usages of ‘king’ in the Torah. No other Torah chapter contains more than five uses of ‘king’.
This non-uniform distribution of a word like king, tells us that Genesis 14 discloses important insights into king and leader. Clearly, we are intended to study the contrast between the 9 kings engaged in the first world war of history, and the ultimate victor of the entire conflict, Abraham.
In reading Genesis 14 we learn that much of humanity then was locked into rebellion, subjugation and warfare. Not only was each king incapable of maintaining unity among his own people, but he wasn’t even able to keep the peace with his fellow-kings.
By contrast, Abraham led only 318 men. The Hebrew text alludes to them as those Abraham raised and educated. (Genesis 14:14) Isn’t that a wonderful way of viewing those you are responsible for leading?
The unity that Abraham engendered among his small band of followers was a main factor in the defeat he administered to the large military forces of the kings.
Not only does the Torah’s first usage of a word disclose secrets but also the last. The final use of the word ‘king’ in the Torah is this:
And it was that when there was a king [MeLeCH] in Yeshurun [Israel] the heads of the people were gathered together, the tribes of Israel were unified.
(Deuteronomy 33:5)
Which is to say that only when Israel had a real leader, a king worthy of being called a king, did unity reign among the people. As a leader, it is very tempting to allow disagreement to fester among your people as it appears to make you indispensable. However, this is a very short term strategy. If your field of vision extends beyond the next election or the next annual report, you will want to lead Biblically and train others in your group to lead in the same way.
This coming Friday night begins the festival of Rosh HaShana, the head of the Jewish year and the time particularly suited for reemphasizing God’s kingship over us and our world. On these two holy days, through Sunday night, our store will be closed. Ten days later, we celebrate Yom Kippur (this year falling on September 28th). Our audio CD exploring the benefits everyone can get from that Day of Atonement is on sale at this time.
Day For Atonement: Heavenly Gift of Spiritual Serenity
ON SALE NOW
Thank you so much for your teachings from the Bible. This one really struck a nerve. The same day I read this one, I was reading in II Chronicles 20 about the situation Judah and King Jehoshaphat were in and how God answered their prayer, fought the battle Himself and annihilated the enemy – totally. WOW. They did it to themselves (wink, wink). I guess I really shouldn’t pray for the total annihilation of our enemies – huh? I wish I had had your teachings as a young boy say 13 to 23! I am now 68 and have done many things the wrong way. But still, thank you so much, what a blessing you and Susan are.
Dear Steve–
I laughed when I read how you wish you had these ancient Jewish wisdom teachings when you were 13–23 since that episode was one of my favorite podcasts.
https://rabbidaniellapin.libsyn.com/the-ten-years-of-your-life-that-you-want-to-redo
But I also wept inside for lost years and accumulated regrets.
But returning to His embrace can always overcome.
Cordially
RDL
Rabbi Daniel lapin thank you for the service you give to all humanity including me Nicholas Mwiti here in Nairobi Kenya.Your teachings are very rich n My God where would we get this information without you?Am a happy warrior n not a tennis ball floating down the gutter of life.Iam addicted to every piece of information from you.Unfortunately I am not able to access the items in the store.
You’re so welcome Mwiti–
I am privileged to be able to teach people like you and all the other happy warriors.
Don’t forget you can download many things in our store.
Blessings,
RDL
Dear Rev Rabbi & Susan Lapin, we wish you
לשנה טובה ומתוקה
L’Shana Tova u’methukah
– A good and sweet Rosh HaSHana
John & Family
Bangalore
India
Yes, Rabbi, we’re waiting for your highly recommended Hebrew/English Bible. Our son, Dr. Milind, placed an order with Amazon
Thank you Pastor John,
Blessings,
RDL
I don’t remember reading one of your thought tools and thinking “well, now what?” It’s loaded with important and timeless information every time! Just marvelous, thank you very much!
Thank you so much dear Manfred,
We much appreciate your encouragement.
Cordially
RDL
Thank you my Rabbi. I’m anxiously awaiting for the soon coming King of kings.
Amen!
Thank you!
Dear Rabbi,
Beginning this holiday, we are in need of this teaching more than I have ever seen in my 73+ years. It is a time for us all to fast and pray for the many issues we are facing. Our values are threatened, our world upside down.
I am a Christian with some Jewish heritage from a grandmother and believe we need your teaching to come into focus in all our churches now so that we can be united.
Thank you from my heart as Susan’s teachings also have opened my eyes some to the actual meaning from the original scriptures.
For years, I have read the King James Version as it was all I knew. Can you suggest an original version for my understanding?
Thank you!
Dear Joanie–
I couldn’t agree with you more which is why I wrote this Thought Tool. Regarding a good Bible, there is only one that I recommend. Get it here: https://rabbidaniellapin.com/product/koren-jerusalem-bible-hardcover/ You’ll love it.
Cordially
RDL
Rabbi, your recommended bible is not available in my country (US). Do you have another suggestion?
Warm regards,
Iz
Iz, we are working on trying to make it available in other countries and will share whatever progress we make.