Our Gemara on Amud Aleph cites a verse about David’s initiation as king (Shmuel II 12:30), capturing a crown from the Ammonite kingdom, with halachic implications for idolatrous images. It also symbolizes David’s ascendancy and leadership process.
Shem MiShmuel (Bamidbar), quoting the Kotzker Rebbe, observes that this crown represented a secular aspect from the Ammonites, necessary for David’s rule.
The Gemara (Yoma 22b) states:
Rav Yehuda said that Shmuel said: Why did Saul’s kingship not continue? Because he had no flaw in his ancestry.
Rabbi Yoḥanan, citing Rabbi Shimon ben Yehotzadak, says: A leader is appointed only if he has a “box of creeping animals” behind him—something inappropriate in his ancestry. If haughty, he is reminded of his humble roots. David’s kingdom lasted, unlike Saul’s, due to his problematic ancestry: Tamar (Genesis 38) and Ruth the Moabite (Ruth 4:18–22).
The simple reading is that Jewish leaders need flaws to stay humble. The Kotzker, with the Ammonite crown, interprets deeper: In a utopian world, Jews would be brothers, needing no king. But reality requires a king with a brazen superiority. Saul, of pure lineage, was too meek. David tapped secular attitudes from his ancestry to exert authority.
This suggests genetic, sociological, and psychological insights. Ideally, Jews would self-lead through brotherhood, but practically, authority is needed, drawn from non-Jewish traits. These less-than-utopian strains become the progenitor for Jewish leadership and the Messianic future. Apparently, the road to perfection contains much imperfection.
Translations Courtesy of Sefaria, except when, sometimes, I disagree with the translation
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Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, LCSW-R, LMFT, DHL is a psychotherapist who works with high conflict couples and families. He can be reached via email at simchafeuerman@gmail.com