During the rule of Shlomo Hamelech, the nation reached the highest level of wisdom and wealth. Indeed, the streets of Jerusalem were made out of gold. He unified the world by taking a wife from every country. But once a person reaches perfection, the only place to go is down.
Following the death of Shlomo Hamelech, the kingdom was divided between his son Rechavam, and Yiravam ben Nivat from the tribe of Ephrayim. Yiravam was a man of extraordinary potential who had it within his power to join with Rechavam, unite the two kingdoms, and bring Mashiach. Instead, he enacted legislation that earned him the title chotay u'machati – one who sins and causes others to sin. This is why the Talmud placed him among those individuals who have lost their portion in olam habah – the World to Come. His greatest sin was erecting two golden calves, one in the north of Israel and one in the south, where the people were encouraged to serve the idols rather than go to the Bais Hamikdash. The prophet cried out against this terrible defection from Hashem, and prophesized the destruction and exile of the 10 Tribes that followed Yiravam and the tribe of Ephrayim.
Dovid Hamelech previously designated the Milo area outside Yerushalayim as a communal plaza for the masses of Jewish people who visited Yerushalayim during the festivals. Shlomo Hamelech, however, opted to use this area as living quarters for his new bride, the daughter of Pharaoh. The Jewish people were infuriated by this outrageous act, but lacked the courage to respond to it. Yeravam took the initiative and displayed his religious zeal and publicly denounced the king for his behavior. Hashem rewarded Yeravam for his courageous act in defense of Hashem's honor, and elevated him to the highest position of authority.
However, Chazal add that Yeravam was also severely punished because he publicly shamed the king (Sanhedrin 101b). Maharsha explains that the sages sought to understand Yeravam's devastating end. They question that since Yeravam performed such a meritorious act, as is evidenced by his appointment over Israel, how could such zeal result in the horrible sins and subsequent exile? If Hashem truly appreciated Yeravam's devotion, how could it develop so quickly into a rampant campaign of idolatry?
The Maharsha explains that although Yeravam's intentions were proper, they were accompanied by arrogance. True, Shlomo Hamelech deserved to be reprimanded, but this did not include public shame and embarrassment. The Sages reveal that had Yeravam been truly sensitive to the king's honor and authority, he would have never have acted in this manner. Although he acted out of religious zeal, he was self-absorbed in piety and ignored the king's honor and due respect. This imperfection ultimately led Yeravam to total corruption, and caused him to forfeit his portion in the world to come.
In our world, one of the greatest challenges in chinuch is that the educator does not live up to the very same standards that he imposes upon his students. “Do as I say, and not as I do” is the silent message many students are receiving. How often is there hurt and alienation in a family all in the name of Hashem? Hashem does not want aggression and fighting, certainly not in His name. Even if a person wants to defend Hashem’s honor, Hashem does not want them to shame someone as a byproduct of this defense.
I don’t know how we will meet the challenges that we’ll face when Mashiach comes, but if we can remove our own personal arrogance, then we will be one step ahead.
