The "sword of the dove" is a paradox by which I think the ancient imagination tried to find a rationale for killing that does not contradict the commandment, "Thou shalt not kill." If "vengeance" is the Lord's prerogative, then human beings can be---or see themselves as--- the instrument. The heavenly dove resorts to the human arm that wields the sword. Righteous anger when one sees the "right" as the will of God. A different anger from the emotion with which we are all familiar.
Nothing is more terrible than killing that is rationalized in such a way that killing can be dehumanized such that there is no need for grief, regret, shame, or guilt. But the fact is that the arm that wields the sword is attached to a complex human heart and mind in which the cost of killing will take its toll even to the seventh generation.
How amazing that at this moment in present time, our Rabbi channels Jeremiah, witness and poet. And in the midst of the terrible clamor, he continues to teach us. thank you.
The "sword of the dove" is a paradox by which I think the ancient imagination tried to find a rationale for killing that does not contradict the commandment, "Thou shalt not kill." If "vengeance" is the Lord's prerogative, then human beings can be---or see themselves as--- the instrument. The heavenly dove resorts to the human arm that wields the sword. Righteous anger when one sees the "right" as the will of God. A different anger from the emotion with which we are all familiar.
Nothing is more terrible than killing that is rationalized in such a way that killing can be dehumanized such that there is no need for grief, regret, shame, or guilt. But the fact is that the arm that wields the sword is attached to a complex human heart and mind in which the cost of killing will take its toll even to the seventh generation.
How amazing that at this moment in present time, our Rabbi channels Jeremiah, witness and poet. And in the midst of the terrible clamor, he continues to teach us. thank you.