The Story of Shlomo’s Coronation and David’s “Crowning” Achievement Through Bat Sheva
(1 Melachim 1:11-31). The Book of Melachim opens with this scene, which is not only the story of Shlomo’s coronation through Bat Sheva (“The crown that his [Shlomo’s] mother placed upon his head” – Shir Hashirim 3;11), but also the clarification by David of what it means to be a king, not as someone who is simply “in control” of his passions, but as someone who has integrated those passions into his being such that he is not aroused by Avishag but can cause Bat Sheva to wipe herself 13 times (per Sanhedrin 22a).

Avishag and the “shigayon” of the Rambam – end of Sefer Deah – Hilchot Teshuva 10:6 – to be “crazy in love” with God.

The placing of story of Yitro prior to giving of the Torah is part of God’s invitation to humanity to participate in the divine unfolding on its terms, an invitation which must necessarily precede the revelation of Torah.

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