ABSTRACT
The rabbinic understanding of the covenant concept emphasized the reciprocity of the relationship between ruler and ruled. The rabbinic understanding of the covenant concept is a natural political outcome of the organic model, for it links individuality to relationship. The study of the rabbinic understanding also demonstrates that theology can be a source of political ideas. Leo Strauss distinguishes between political philosophy and political theology. This chapter demonstrates that the covenant concept was perceived by rabbinic literature as positing a reciprocal relationship. Usually political language speaks in terms of a ruler-ruled dichotomy. The mutual interdependence exemplified by communication and commentary, between authority and community, marks the rabbinic concept of government and rule. The epitome of the rabbinic contribution to political thought is found in the idea that government is a commentary on the original purpose of society.
