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Why does the Torah (תורה) characterize Hashem (ה׳) as a "God of war" in the context of marriage laws? The shiur argues that all marital conflicts fundamentally revolve around control dynamics, with spouses competing to dominate their shared space. True shalom bayis emerges when both partners submit to Hashem's authority, recognizing their home as His mikdash me'at where He sets the agenda.
This shiur provides a profound analysis of the Torah (תורה)'s laws concerning the sotah (suspected adulteress) in Parshas Naso, addressing several challenging questions through the lens of control dynamics in marriage. Rabbi Zweig begins by examining why Rashi (רש"י) identifies both the husband and Hashem (ה׳) as "ish" in the sotah passage, specifically referencing Hashem as "ish milchamah" (God of war). He questions why the God of marriage would be characterized as the God of war, suggesting this reveals something fundamental about marital dynamics. The analysis explores the juxtaposition between the laws of sotah and nazir, questioning why someone who witnesses a sotah should become a nazir for only thirty days, and why the restriction is limited to wine rather than all intoxicating substances. Rabbi Zweig also examines the connection between withholding priestly gifts (matnot kehuna) and one's wife becoming a sotah, asking how one spouse's sin can cause the other to transgress.
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Sotah, Parshas Naso
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