Another new misnah – the last one of the chapter, with more on the king, and how the people are limited in their conduct with regard to the king. For example, not looking at the king while he is getting a haircut. The Gemara delves in King David as a case study, as a paradigm, including a story about Avishag HaShunamite, who wants to marry him, but he declines on the basis of old age (and then defies that same claim). Plus, the difficulty of setting people up to marry with the right person is miraculous – as was the splitting of the Red Sea, with some delving into the moments of that miracle. But is making matches really so difficult? Isn’t there a designation of each for another before birth even?! It’s second marriages, not first! Also, more details on the specifics of the king’s frequent haircut – daily. And the high priest’s – weekly. And the regular priest’s – monthly. [Who’s Who: Ben Elassa]
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