From Saul's failure to David's reckoning, 'Human Kingship' examines the dangers of power - review
Rabbi David Silber's Human Kingship rereads the Book of Samuel to ask what restrains a ruler when no tribunal can remove him, and whether justice can survive unchecked power.
David Silber's book, "Human Kingship: Studies in the Book of Samuel," delves into the perils of monarchy without detailing a mechanism to remove a failing ruler. In a world where no tribunals or procedures exist to oust an errant king, the monarch's integrity becomes paramount. Even when faced with grave consequences, such as the death of a child or the loss of a dynasty, the king remains in power.
Deuteronomy offers a set of prohibitions for kings, yet provides no guidance on what it means to fulfill the role effectively. Samuel, the prophet who serves as the narrative's guide, does not prescribe a clear path for kingship but instead emphasizes the importance of justice and righteousness. The fate of the monarchy rests on the king's ability to recognize his fallibility and accountability.
Through a close examination of the Book of Samuel, Rabbi Silber argues that the true safeguard against royal excess lies not in external mechanisms, but in the king's own moral compass.
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