Thought of the week:
In reality, everyone is a self-made man. Only the successful admit it.
“Yehuda, your brothers shall praise you, your hand on the nape of your enemy, the children of your father shall bow to you.” (Beraishis 49:8)
After the stern words Yaakov had for Reuven, Shimon and Levi for the acts they’d done, Yehuda began to slink away, fearful that Yaakov would criticize him for the story of Tamar. Therefore, Yaakov let Yehuda know that he could expect positive words.
He begins by saying that his brothers would praise him. This was not simply honoring him, but rather referred to the kingship which would be bestowed on him and his descendants. The next phrase, the hand on the nape of the neck, alludes to Dovid HaMelech, one of Yehuda’s descendants, who would sing to Hashem as recounted in Sefer Shmuel (II 22:41), as well as in Tehillim Chapter 18, and say, “My enemies, You gave me the back of their necks (as they ran from me); I cut down those who hate me.”
Finally, Yaakov says that the sons of Yehuda’s father would bow to him. Since Yaakov had children from four mothers, he expressed that Yehuda would be universally acknowledged as the leader by Yaakov’s sons, regardless of who their mother was.
It is curious that the posuk would begin by speaking about Yehuda’s brothers, then switch to speaking about his enemies, and then return to his brothers. It is possible to say this refers to three different people. Yehuda, himself, would be honored and acknowledged as king, then Dovid, his descendant would rule, referenced by the second part of the verse, and finally, when all the children of Israel bow to him, it could refer to Moshiach. The chronology therefore requires the change in syntax.
However, it’s also possible that the Torah is teaching us about the type of ruler a Jewish king should be. Instead of focusing on himself, his role is to guide the Jews in their service of Hashem and ensure they follow the Torah.
Yehuda was told he would receive the kingship. He would be successful, in the form of the house of Dovid, who would chase and defeat their enemies. Often, a king who is powerful becomes full of himself and praises his prowess in battle or his strategy in dealing with his enemies. He can become hardened and cruel, and become a despot.
This was not the way of Dovid and the descendants of Yehuda. From Yehuda’s acknowledgement of his relationship with Tamar, to Dovid’s acceptance of Noson HaNavi’s rebuke, the kings of this line were humble, recognizing Hashem’s control over them and the world, and willing to learn from their mistakes. For this reason, even after being successful in battle, the king would be bowed to by his brothers, for he would be worthy of such bowing by virtue of his own subservience to the King of Kings.
A man’s wife fell ill and the doctors abandoned hope. Desperate, he went to the Chofetz Chaim in Radin who promised to pray on condition that the man not reveal that he had asked the Chofetz Chaim for help. The woman had a miraculous recovery.
Years later, someone else fell ill with the disease. Seeing their distress, the man broke his promise and revealed that when he faced this issue, he’d gone to Radin. Shortly thereafter, his wife’s illness returned.
Immediately, he ran back to the Chofetz Chaim. “I am sorry but I cannot help you,” said the sage. “But last time you davened and my wife was healed!” responded the distraught man. “When you came to me last time,” said the Chofetz Chaim, “I was a younger man. I fasted FORTY days for your wife to be healed. I am sorry, but I don’t have the strength anymore.”
What devotion great people have to their fellow Jews! Let us strive for similar greatness.
©2025 – J. Gewirtz
