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Genesis 10:9 - Hunter defying divine authority?

Genesis 10:9 - בראשית 10:9

Hebrew Text

הוּא־הָיָה גִבֹּר־צַיִד לִפְנֵי יְהוָה עַל־כֵּן יֵאָמַר כְּנִמְרֹד גִּבּוֹר צַיִד לִפְנֵי יְהוָה׃

English Translation

He was a mighty hunter before the Lord: wherefore it is said, Like Nimrod the mighty hunter before the Lord.

Transliteration

Hu-haya gibor-tzayid lifnei Adonai al-ken ye'amar ke-Nimrod gibor tzayid lifnei Adonai.

Hebrew Leining Text

הֽוּא־הָיָ֥ה גִבֹּֽר־צַ֖יִד לִפְנֵ֣י יְהֹוָ֑ה עַל־כֵּן֙ יֵֽאָמַ֔ר כְּנִמְרֹ֛ד גִּבּ֥וֹר צַ֖יִד לִפְנֵ֥י יְהֹוָֽה׃
הֽוּא־הָיָ֥ה גִבֹּֽר־צַ֖יִד לִפְנֵ֣י יְהֹוָ֑ה עַל־כֵּן֙ יֵֽאָמַ֔ר כְּנִמְרֹ֛ד גִּבּ֥וֹר צַ֖יִד לִפְנֵ֥י יְהֹוָֽה׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Nature of Nimrod's Hunting

According to Rashi (Bereshit 10:9), Nimrod was not merely a hunter of animals, but rather he "hunted" the minds of people, persuading them to rebel against Hashem. His title גִבֹּר־צַיִד ("mighty hunter") refers to his ability to ensnare people into idolatry, particularly the generation of the Tower of Bavel. The phrase לִפְנֵי יְהוָה ("before the Lord") implies that he acted defiantly, openly challenging Divine authority.

Nimrod as a Symbol of Rebellion

The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 37:2) elaborates that Nimrod established himself as a ruler who forced people to worship idols, earning his name from the Hebrew root מרד ("to rebel"). The Rambam (Hilchos Avodah Zarah 1:2) cites Nimrod as an archetype of those who lead others astray, using his power to turn humanity away from monotheism.

The Proverbial Saying

The phrase כְּנִמְרֹד גִּבּוֹר צַיִד לִפְנֵי יְהוָה ("Like Nimrod the mighty hunter before the Lord") became a common expression, as noted by Ibn Ezra (Bereshit 10:9). It signifies a person who uses strength or cunning for evil purposes, particularly in opposing Hashem's will. The Talmud (Chullin 89a) contrasts Nimrod’s arrogance with Avraham Avinu’s humility, highlighting the spiritual danger of tyrannical leadership.

Nimrod’s Historical Role

  • Founder of Bavel: The Targum Yonatan identifies Nimrod as the king who initiated the construction of the Tower of Bavel, seeking to wage war against Heaven.
  • Opponent of Avraham: Midrashic sources (Pirkei D'Rabbi Eliezer 24) describe Nimrod as the king who cast Avraham into the fiery furnace for rejecting idolatry.
  • Symbol of Tyranny: The Radak (Bereshit 10:8-9) explains that Nimrod’s hunting prowess extended to political domination, making him the first post-Flood ruler to consolidate power through force.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Chullin 89a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the nature of Nimrod's hunting and his relationship with God, illustrating the concept of 'before the Lord' in terms of opposition rather than service.
📖 Eruvin 53a
The Talmud mentions Nimrod as a mighty hunter in the context of discussing the generation of the Tower of Babel and their rebellion against God.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who was Nimrod in the Torah?
A: Nimrod was a powerful king and hunter mentioned in Genesis 10:9. According to Rashi and Midrashic sources, he rebelled against Hashem and built the Tower of Babel. The verse describes him as a 'mighty hunter before the Lord,' which our Sages explain refers to him 'hunting' people's minds to turn them away from serving G-d.
Q: What does 'mighty hunter before the Lord' mean?
A: The phrase 'mighty hunter before the Lord' has two interpretations in Jewish tradition: 1) Literally - he was skilled at hunting animals (Ramban), 2) Figuratively - he 'hunted' people by convincing them to rebel against G-d (Rashi, based on Midrash). The term 'before the Lord' implies he did this openly, challenging Divine authority.
Q: Why is Nimrod important in Jewish tradition?
A: Nimrod is significant because he represents the first major rebellion against G-d after the Flood. The Talmud (Chullin 89a) and Midrash connect him to building the Tower of Babel. He serves as an example of misused power and the dangers of leading people away from Torah values.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Nimrod's story?
A: The story teaches us about proper use of leadership qualities. Nimrod had great abilities (strength, charisma), but used them for the wrong purposes. Jewish ethics (based on Pirkei Avot) teach that true greatness comes from using one's talents to serve Hashem and help others, not to dominate them.
Q: How does the phrase 'like Nimrod' apply today?
A: When people say 'like Nimrod' today (based on the verse's wording), it refers to someone who abuses power or influences others negatively. Jewish thought (based on Rambam's Hilchos De'os) emphasizes using influence positively - to bring people closer to Torah and mitzvos, not further away.