Justice - The Foundation of Monarchy

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1. Regarding the Kings of the Davidic Dynasty

   Rabbi David Sabato

   These chapters contain a collection of prophecies that Yirmiyahu delivered to the last kings of Yehuda. The institutions of the Beit HaMikdash and the Davidic dynasty are perceived by the people as stable, absolute, and unassailable. Both rely on a Divine promise regarding their eternity, and the two promises are intertwined. However, the biological continuity of the descendants of David does not in itself entitle them to the kingdom, but only when coupled with its moral continuity. Only then can they truly sit on the throne of David. In contrast, the non-realization of the moral purpose will lead to the destruction of the house of David, just as it will lead to the destruction of the house of God.

   In contrast to the ideal description of the monarch at the beginning of the chapter, Yirmiyahu traces the debased moral situation in the days of Yehoyakim. This rebuke revolves around the building of Yehoyakim's magnificent royal palace, which involved the breach of the most fundamental principles of morality and justice.

   The future of Yehoyakhin’s seed is described in bleak terms by Yirmiyahu, but that is contradicted by his descendant Zerubavel who takes a leadership role in the Return to Zion. In contrast, Tzidkiyahu is described by Yirmiyahu as a potential Mashiah, a role that his poor decisions do not allow him to realize.

2. Jerusalem - City of Justice

   Rabbi Yitzchak Levi

   We attempt to show that the spiritual character of Jerusalem and the Temple are bound up with justice. Jerusalem is a place that expresses the source and essence of justice, and the absence of justice in this place leads to its destruction.

   Jerusalem – which is called tzedek, justice – fundamentally expresses the principle of justice; without it, this city cannot exist. 

   (This is an abridged selection from Rav Levi's VBM course on Jerusalem in the Bible.)