1)

Of what importance is it to know that Nimrod was the first strong man in the world?

1.

Rashi: To teach us that he was the one to turn the people against HaSh-m 1 by instigating the building of the Tower of Bavel. 2

2.

Targum Yonasan: Because he was the first person to sin in open rebellion against HaSh-m since the world was created.

3.

Ramban: Nimrod was the first self- declared monarch. Refer to 10:9:1:2.


1

Which explains why he was called "Nimrod" (Rashi to Chulin 89a).

2

Even though people began to practice idolatry in the days of Enosh, they did not do so as an act of rebellion, but worshipped other gods as well (Ramban).

QUESTIONS ON RASHI

2)

Rashi writes: "[Nimrod] caused the world to rebel against HaSh-m." Why doesn't Rashi interpret literally, that Nimrod was a mighty hunter?

1.

Gur Aryeh: The word "Hechel (he began)" is seemingly unnecessary, and it can be interpreted as "Chilul (profane, desecration)." 1


1

Refer to 10:8:1:1*:. We find a similar expression regarding Noach and the vineyard; refer to 9:20:1:1. (CS)

3)

Rashi writes: "[Nimrod] caused the world to rebel against HaSh-m." If that is the correct interpretation, why is Nimrod the beginning? There were other idolaters prior to him.

1.

Gur Aryeh: Nimrod was the first to deceive and ensnare people's minds (Rashi to 10:9).

4)

Rashi writes: "[Nimrod] caused the world to rebel against HaSh-m." Why doesn't the verse write this explicitly? The Torah usually does not cover up the sins of the wicked!

1.

Gur Aryeh: In those times, just as HaSh-m was not served publicly, idolatry was not committed publicly either, and so the verse does not publicize it.

5)

Rashi writes: "[Nimrod] caused the world to rebel against HaSh-m." The simple meaning of the verse is that he was a mighty king; how can we support Rashi's interpretation?

1.

Gur Aryeh: (a) The verse (10:9) states, "he was mighty... before HaSh-m." On the contrary, one ought to humble oneself before HaSh-m; 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) - as was Esav (25:27);( c) Nimrod was the first king (10:10), and earthly kings usually oppose the kingdom of HaSh-m. 1


1

Gur Aryeh: This is why HaSh-m did not wish that the Jewish people appoint a king (Shmuel I 8).

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