Our Gemara on Amud Aleph describes the process by which the Davidic monarchy determined whether to engage in warfare, once the king proposed this course of action:

"The Sages immediately sought advice from Ahithophel to determine whether or not it was appropriate to go to war at that time and how they should conduct themselves; and they consulted the Sanhedrin in order to receive the requisite permission to wage a war under those circumstances; and they asked the Urim VeTummim whether or not they should go to war, and whether or not they would be successful."

War has been a constant throughout human history. Despite its immense pain, bloodshed, and the devastating waste of life and property it causes, war recurs with alarming regularity. Even in the 21st century—an era when technology and wealth could likely ensure that every human being is fed, clothed, and sheltered with dignity—billions upon billions of dollars, yen, and rubles are instead spent on destruction. Is this insanity? One might wish to call it so, yet by definition, we cannot label a normative human behavior as insane. The necessity of war, however bewildering, must at times be acknowledged, even as its horrors are avoided whenever possible.

Our Gemara describes a fascinating system of checks and balances that ensure sober, deliberate decision-making about this terrible human condition called war. This framework was designed to ensure that war occurs only when absolutely unavoidable:

  1. The Leader’s Intuition: The king, as leader, senses that the nation’s territorial or existential rights are at risk and that action may be required.
  2. Strategic Counsel: The Sages consult Ahithophel, a key adviser and military strategist, to assess whether the timing and strategy for war are appropriate.
  3. Halachic Approval: The Sanhedrin is consulted to align the king’s intuition and the military assessment with halachic principles, ensuring the war complies with Torah law.
  4. Divine Guidance: Finally, they seek divine confirmation and blessing by consulting the Urim VeTummim, asking Hashem whether they should proceed and whether they will succeed.

This meticulous process reflects the Torah’s care to ensure that war is waged only when absolutely necessary, avoiding conflicts driven by politics, petty rivalries, or the thirst for dominance.

Rav Shalom Schwadron, as quoted in Sefer Daf al Daf, applies this process metaphorically to our personal battles in service of God. When we feel inspired to take on a spiritual challenge or embark on a new path, we can follow a similar framework:

  1. Begin with inspiration, the initial spark that motivates us.
  2. Evaluate the idea intellectually, ensuring it is practical and feasible.
  3. Assess its halachic implications, confirming that it aligns with Torah values.
  4. Pray for divine guidance and blessing, asking Hashem to help us succeed in our efforts.

This multilayered approach, whether applied to literal warfare or personal spiritual struggles, underscores the importance of careful deliberation, alignment with halacha, and reliance on divine guidance in navigating life’s most challenging decisions.

Translations Courtesy of Sefaria, except when, sometimes, I disagree with the translation cool

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