In this week's Torah portion, Moses instructs the Jews on additional commandments they need to observe. He tells them that when they appoint a king, the king:
"...shall write for himself two copies of this Torah ... it shall be with him, and he shall read from it all the days of his life." (Deuteronomy 17: 18-19)
A LIFE LESSON
God wants the king to have a Torah - with all its commandments - in his personal possession at all times. Why would a king, the very person in charge of telling others what to do, have to do this?
It is because all too often we'll see people who are in charge decide - whether consciously or not - to have one set of rules for themselves and a completely different set of rules for everyone else.
Why is it that people "in charge" so often believe that one set of rules should apply to them and another set to everyone else? The reason is when you're the one barking out orders, it's very easy to forget that you too have a boss to answer to - one named God.
This is precisely the reason God wants every king not only to possess two Torah scrolls, but actually to keep one with him at all times. Every place a king goes (except in unclean places) the Torah goes with him as well. Clearly, there are many perks with being a king, and a king is certainly entitled to all of them. But his underlying behavior must be to abide by God's rules, not his own.
The powerful message is very clear. There cannot be one set of rules for a leader and another for his followers. God tells the Jewish people that kings and their followers must all live by the same rules.
We see this happening in our own lives all the time. Parents instruct their children never to lie, but when the same child answers the telephone, the parent may quietly whisper, "Tell him I'm not home." This is the exact behavior that God wants us to avoid at all costs.
And in everyday situations, sound advice you readily give to others you should also start taking for yourself. Practice what you preach. Live by the same words you give to friends, family, and co-workers, and don't feel you're above any of it. This will force you to grow in ways you've never imagined, and that's exactly what God had in mind.
(12) Anonymous, September 6, 2016 12:29 PM
Excellent article and very well written! Thanks for posting!
(11) Anonymous, August 27, 2014 12:22 PM
Excellent!
This is excellent! Thank you so much for posting it!
(10) Marvi Onate, August 25, 2012 2:58 PM
We are accountable for all our actions.
Each and everyone of us will one day face our creator and isn't it nice to face Him and hear Him say that we have done our part here on earth, we have served our purpose in life. Everyday our goal should be to WIN SOULS AND MAKE DISCIPLES. God bless Israel.
(9) Linda, August 25, 2012 2:49 PM
So true. Another verse that my Lord reminds me of every so often, more often than not is: Proverbs 3:6 We need to have the law and commandments written in our hearts and a physical copy to refer to doesn't hurt either. Looking in the mirror shows us how we act and how others see us. Blessings.
(8) j, August 25, 2012 7:19 AM
Short
and true and sweet
(7) Anonymous, August 25, 2012 1:04 AM
A life lesson
B'H'' It is so true. Even a king has to answer to the King of Kings. Hashem. I understand this to mean that it takes true humility for a leader, to lower himself before his Creator. Very inspirational.
(6) Anonymous, September 2, 2011 9:11 PM
Truth may not sound nice,but truth will still surface and why be afraid to make it blow? telling the truth...still hurts.You will not always be good telling it,but you will be worst in faking what you tell...Just to gain a good repute.I'm sorry,that's the way honesty means to me.
(5) Anonymous, September 2, 2011 3:31 PM
THE TORAH
THE COUNTRY NEEDS MORE OF THE ABOVE, AND LESS OF THE BELOW... A GREAT READ THE TORAH
(4) Deb Taylor, September 2, 2011 2:43 PM
I have learned that this is so true!
I cannot cast stones at others because I know that usually what I don't like in another person is exactly what I don't like in myself. So when I see a fault in someone I have to examin myself and pray for G-d's help to correct myself so I can become who I should be!
(3) joanne haney, August 30, 2011 4:27 AM
thanks! I needed that
Really like this article. I have done this very thing and had it done to me. This advice is so true!
(2) Anonymous, August 9, 2010 7:44 PM
Morality
Obama needs to read this!
(1) Anonymous, August 20, 2009 12:39 AM
This is a great interpretation. I will be using it at our sisterhood meeting tonight after reading about and giving credit to the author.