Yishai
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The Father of DavidTANAKH
The Father of David
TANAKH
Jesse (Yihsai), an Ephrathite from Bethlehem, was the father of David and had eight sons, highlighting his importance during the days of Saul. The book of Samuel I introduces Jesse as a significant figure, emphasizing his noble lineage and advanced age.
A Shoot from the Stump of JesseTANAKH
A Shoot from the Stump of Jesse
TANAKH
The future growth and renewal from the lineage of Jesse symbolizes hope and redemption for the Jewish people. The prophet Isaiah envisions a new leader emerging from the lineage of Jesse, promising a future of miracles and complete redemption.
The Birth of David in Jewish FolkloreMIDRASH
The Birth of David in Jewish Folklore
MIDRASH
Jesse's susceptibility to temptation and the resulting deception involving his wife, Nazbat, led to the birth of David. Louis Ginzberg's early 20th-century work, Legends of the Jews, weaves together a rich tapestry of Jewish folklore and biblical stories, providing another narrative about biblical figures.
The Universal Appeal of Jesse's DescendantCOMMENTARY
The Universal Appeal of Jesse's Descendant
COMMENTARY
The descendant of Jesse will be universally accepted and sought after by the nations, who will willingly follow him. Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz's commentary on Isaiah provides insights into the Messianic prophecy and its significance in Jewish eschatology.
The Son of Jesse in Lekha DodiLITURGY
The Son of Jesse in Lekha Dodi
LITURGY
The reference to 'the son of Jesse' in Lekha Dodi symbolizes the hope for Messianic redemption. Shlomo HaLevi Alkabetz’s 16th-century hymn, Lekha Dodi, is recited during the Kabbalat Shabbat service to welcome the Sabbath.
The Sinless Death TALMUD
The Sinless Death
TALMUD
Jesse, father of King David, is one of the four individuals who died solely due to the primordial snake's counsel, not because of any personal sin. The Talmudic tractate Bava Batra discusses this unique aspect of Yishai's death, supported by scriptural references.
The Healing Power of PsalmsCHASIDUT
The Healing Power of Psalms
CHASIDUT
Reciting Psalms is believed to foster trust in God, serving as a spiritual remedy for the sick. Rebbe Nachman of Breslov, a prominent Hasidic master, teaches about the healing power of Psalms, connecting it to King David and the future Mashiach from Jesse.
The Prominence of JesseTALMUD
The Prominence of Jesse
TALMUD
Jesse was a prominent and well-recognized figure during the time of Saul, always accompanied by multitudes. The Gemara in tractate Yevamot questions how Saul could not recognize David’s father, Jesse, given his prominence.
Judging by the HeartCOMMENTARY
Judging by the Heart
COMMENTARY
God looks beyond outward appearances and judges based on the heart. The Book of Samuel recounts the anointing of David, emphasizing that God instructed Samuel to consider the heart rather than outward appearances.
From Rejection to KingshipTARGUM
From Rejection to Kingship
TARGUM
Jesse's son, initially dismissed by his family, was ultimately chosen by God to be king. The Aramaic Targum to Psalms provides an ancient translation and interpretation of this pivotal moment in Jewish history.
The Son of JesseMIDRASH
The Son of Jesse
MIDRASH
The repeated derogatory references to David as 'the son of Jesse' by Saul highlight the political tension and disdain between Saul and David. Midrash Tehillim, a collection of rabbinic commentaries on the Book of Psalms, provides deeper insights into King David's struggles and the opposition he faced.
The Anointing of a KingTANAKH
The Anointing of a King
TANAKH
The divine selection of one of Jesse's sons as the future king of Israel underscores the importance of divine guidance in leadership. The biblical narrative in Samuel I details God's instructions to the prophet Samuel to anoint a new king from among Jesse's sons, highlighting the divine process of choosing a leader.
From Humble Origins to Royal LineageSECOND TEMPLE
From Humble Origins to Royal Lineage
SECOND TEMPLE
The divine power to elevate individuals of humble origins to positions of great dignity and splendor is exemplified by the rise of David from ordinary parentage. In his first-century work, Josephus recounts the story of Ruth, the great-grandmother of King David, highlighting the significance of her humble beginnings.