The ancient text Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer, a fascinating collection of stories and interpretations, dares to explore just that. It tells us about ten kings who, in their time, held dominion "from one end of the world to the other." Ambitious. And who tops the list? None other than the Holy One, blessed be He. : before earthly empires, before dynasties and decrees, there was the ultimate sovereign, ruling both heaven and earth. It makes sense, doesn't it? Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer suggests that God's intention was always to establish earthly rulers, mirroring His own kingship. As it says in the Book of Daniel (2:21), "And he changeth the times and the seasons; he removeth kings, and setteth up kings." He sets the stage for all the rest.
But then, the narrative takes a turn. Who's next in line after the Almighty?
Nimrod.
Yes, that Nimrod. The one often associated with rebellion and the Tower of Babel. According to Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer, he, too, ruled "from one end of the world to the other." How so?
The text offers an intriguing explanation: After the flood, humanity was huddled together, still fearful of the waters. They needed a leader, and Nimrod stepped into that role. "And the beginning of his kingdom was Babel," we read in Genesis 10:10. He provided a sense of security, a focal point in a world still recovering from devastation. So, was he a benevolent protector, or a power-hungry tyrant from the start? The text leaves us to ponder.
It's interesting, isn't it? The juxtaposition of God and Nimrod as early, universal rulers. What does it say about the nature of power, about the choices we make in the face of fear and uncertainty? And who are the other eight kings on this list? Well, that's a story for another time… but perhaps this glimpse gives you something to think about.