A Haftarah is part of the Torah Reading Service. The Haftarah reading- a supplemental reading from non-Torah scripture- is a passage selected because it relates to the Torah Portion that is read. One theory advanced as to why there are Haftarah readings is that they began at a time when public Torah reading was forbidden; this period being during the Roman Occupation of Israel.
The Torah Portion Bereshit’s Haftarah selection comes from the Book of Samuel. The passage touches on one of scripture’s most famous relationships; Jonathan and David. Its relationship theme connects with Genesis’ dysfunction one; Cain and Abel.
While the Torah Portion Bereshit dealt with jealousy and fratricide, Bereshit’s Haftarah dealt with a lasting brotherhood. To cement their eternal relationship, Jonathan and David employed the Ten Commandments. Using perhaps the most misunderstood commandments in modernity, Jonathan and David bonded.
The Haftarah Passage
The Book of Samuel’s Haftarah passage speaks of Jonathan and David’s friendship. The two, in the reported passage, took their relationship to the next level. It occurred at a point in time at which Jonathan’s father, King Saul, viewed David as an existential threat to his monarchy. Given that, King Saul wanted to kill David. Prior to this passage, David was fleeing from the monarch.
“Jonathan said to David, ‘Go to peace. What the two of us have sworn in the Name of The Lord — saying, ‘The Lord shall be [a witness] between me and you, and between my offspring and your offspring’– shall be forever!” 1 Samuel 20:42.
Clearly, this passage shows a Ten Commandments’ connection. The Decalogue provision that one should not bring up the “name of the Lord, your God, for a falsehood” applies. Exodus 20:7.
Their commitment to each other contrasts to the discord that occurred in Genesis with Cain and Abel.
The Haftarah Message
In this instance, Jonathan and David were caught in the most difficult of situations. Jonathan was an heir to the throne. David was the outsider who threatened the Saul’s Dynasty. Jonathan would have likely been praised by his father for taking David’s life. Despite their stations in life, their bond was special.
With the Torah Portion Bereshit, the Lord’s logic and reasoning was could not prevent Cain’s emotions from becoming consuming. These emotions lead him to taking his brother’s life. In contrast, Jonathan and David used the Lord’s name to strengthen their commitment.
Beyond this moment, Scripture shows that the oath was fulfilled. After Jonathan’s death, David, after becoming king, honored his commitment.
David’s Promise Fullfilled
Once David became king, he inquired whether anyone from the House of Saul remained. David queried so that he could show kindness for Jonathan’s sake. It turned out that Jonathan had a son- Mephibosheth- whose legs were crippled. 2 Samuel 9:1-3.
David said to Mephibosheth: “Fear not, for I shall deal kindly with you for the sake of your father Jonathan; I shall return to you the entire estate of your father Saul, and you shall eat bread at my table continually.” 2 Samuel 9:7. David also said “Mephibosheth will be eating at my table like one of the king’s sons.” 2 Samuel 9:11.
Thus, Scripture shows that David fulfilled his sworn oath to Jonathan.
Conclusion
Bereshit’s Haftarah’s theme of kinship connects to the story of Cain and Abel. In the Haftarah, Jonathan and David took their friendship to the next level by invoking an oath. Such an oath was one that in antiquity was protected by the Ten Commandments prohibition of using the Lord’s name in vain. Scripture then revealed that David fulfilled the oath by taking Jonathan’s son into his house to eat at his table like a son. Further, David restored to Jonathan’s son Saul’s property as well.
Unlike in modernity, in antiquity, there was much utility in using the Lord’s name with respect to oaths. In this instance, a friendship was elevated to a lifelong generational commitment.
Be well!!
Please like, follow, comment or share
