(c) Apr 18 2001 RashiYomi Inc. MY COLLECTED & INDEXED MAIL JEWISH POSTINGS-Ver #1
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From: Russell Hendel <rhendel@saber.towson.edu> Date: Mon, 29 Nov 1999 00:00:38 -0500 (EST) Subject: Kings Do Not Have Absolute Authority Aaron Wolf in Volume 30 Number 18 writes that >>> In Shmuel though we find that the king is given authority to take the daughters and money of the people at will. The Gemara also learns out >>>>>>> No...this is not true according to anybody. Taking a woman (against her will) is rape Taking money is theft. No one in Jewish law is allowed to rape or steal. (However once a women is married to a king if she gets divorced she may not remarry to a commoner). Also a king can give a uniform tax but he may not take property that does not belong to him (See the great evil of Achav who stole Navoth's property). I think there is a lot of good material in Aarons posting...but I doubt the distinction between Shoftim and Shmuel is one of absolute vs not. Russell Hendel; http://www.shamash.org/rashi/