Of what importance is it to know that Nimrod was the first strong man in the world?
Rashi and Seforno: To teach us that he was the one to turn the people against Hashem 1 by instigating the building of the Tower of Bavel. 2
Targum Yonasan: Because he was the first person to sin in open rebellion against Hashem since the world was created.
Ramban: Nimrod was the first self- declared monarch. Refer to 10:9:1:2.
QUESTIONS ON RASHI
Rashi writes: "[Nimrod] caused the world to rebel against Hashem." Why doesn't Rashi interpret literally, that Nimrod was a mighty hunter?
Gur Aryeh: The word "Hechel (he began)" is seemingly unnecessary, and it can be interpreted as "Chilul (profane, desecration)." 1
Rashi writes: "[Nimrod] caused the world to rebel against Hashem." If that is the correct interpretation, why is Nimrod the beginning? There were other idolaters prior to him.
Gur Aryeh: Nimrod was the first to deceive and ensnare people's minds (Rashi to 10:9).
Rashi writes: "[Nimrod] caused the world to rebel against Hashem." Why doesn't the verse write this explicitly? The Torah usually does not cover up the sins of the wicked!
Gur Aryeh: In those times, just as Hashem was not served publicly, idolatry was not committed publicly either, and so the verse does not publicize it.
Rashi writes: "[Nimrod] caused the world to rebel against Hashem." The simple meaning of the verse is that he was a mighty king; how can we support Rashi's interpretation?
Gur Aryeh: (a) The verse (10:9) states, "he was mighty... before Hashem." On the contrary, one ought to humble oneself before Hashem; this verse shows that Nimrod was in rebellion against Him; (b) Nimrod used plots and cunning to mislead others; that is why he is called a "hunter" (10:9)
Gur Aryeh: This is why Hashem did not wish that the Jewish people appoint a king (Shmuel I 8).
