Shir Hashirim Chapter 4-5: Understanding the Structure of the Ten Commandments

Full Summary

This shiur examines Rashi (רש"י)'s commentary on the fifth chapter of Shir Hashirim, specifically focusing on his explanation of how the Ten Commandments were arranged on the two tablets. According to Rashi, citing Chazal, each tablet contained five commandments that were aligned opposite each other, creating meaningful parallels that reveal deeper understanding of each mitzvah (מצוה). The first pairing contrasts "Anochi Hashem (ה׳) Elokeicha" (I am Hashem your God) with "Lo tirtzach" (Do not murder). Rabbi Zweig explains that this teaches us murder is not merely a crime between people, but specifically damages the divine image (demut Elohim). He distinguishes between tzelem Elohim (divine image, like a picture) and demut Elohim (divine likeness, like a scale model that maintains all essential characteristics). Murder damages not just the tzelem but the demut - the actual divine representation within man. The second pairing links "Lo yihyeh lecha" (no other gods) with "Lo tinaaf" (do not commit adultery). This parallel reveals that idolatry is fundamentally an act of betrayal in our relationship with Hashem, comparable to marital infidelity. This explains why the Torah (תורה) uses the term "keil kanah" (jealous God) specifically regarding idolatry - it reflects the same jealousy a husband feels toward an unfaithful wife. For Jews, this creates a practical halachic difference, as even partnership with other powers constitutes idolatry, unlike for gentiles. The third pairing, "Lo tisa" (do not take God's name in vain) opposite "Lo tignov" (do not steal), presents interpretive challenges. Rabbi Zweig initially struggles with the connection that "a thief will eventually swear falsely," but ultimately explains this through the lens of kidnapping rather than mere theft. When one steals a person's essence (kidnapping), they become willing to steal Hashem's essence through false oaths. This represents a form of identity theft - stealing someone's very name and essence. The fourth pairing connects "Zachor" (Remember the Sabbath) with "Lo ta'aneh" (do not bear false witness). One who desecrates Shabbos (שבת) effectively gives false testimony by denying God's role as Creator. This goes beyond mere transgression to active falsehood about the nature of creation itself. The final pairing links "Kabed" (Honor father and mother) with "Lo tachmod" (do not covet). Rabbi Zweig explains that coveting leads to a scenario where one fathers a child through adultery, eventually telling that child the truth about their parentage. This results in the child cursing their actual father while honoring someone who isn't their father. The analysis reveals that true coveting isn't momentary desire but wanting to become the master of another's household entirely. Throughout the shiur, Rabbi Zweig emphasizes that these pairings aren't merely technical connections but reveal fundamental aspects of each commandment that wouldn't be apparent otherwise. Each pairing adds crucial understanding to both the positive and negative commandments involved, showing how violations of one naturally lead to violations of its paired commandment. This structure demonstrates the profound wisdom embedded in the very arrangement of the Ten Commandments on the tablets.