King Moses

Moses took the initiative, and followed by the elders of Israel, went over to Dathan and Abiram.                                                                     Numbers 16:25

 Resh Lakish said: This teaches that one must not be stubborn in a matter of dissension.                                                     Babylonian Talmud, Sanhedrin 110a

            Moses demonstrated his greatness by approaching those who were his juniors, rather than insisting on his own honor. However, Moses was considered a king [Midrash Tannaim, Deuteronomy 33:5] and the Halacha declares that a king may not forego his honor. [Maimonides Laws of Kings 2:3] Thus, we can question Moses’ decision to approach his antagonists.

            The reason a king may not waive his honor is the fact that it is not his personal honor, rather that of the nation. Preventing dissension within the nation certainly qualifies as national honor. Therefore, Moses taught that to prevent dissension, a king may forego his personal honor. Or perhaps the lesson can be phrased that preventing national dissension itself is the king’s honor.