The Modern Malchut

I always felt bad for Malchut (the divine attribute of kingship). Ever since the European revolutions in 19th and 20th century monarchy is foreign, leaving much of the Chasidic teachings on Malchut a bit outdated.

This morning it occurred to me that one aspect of Malchut can be better understood in a modern democracy.

Chasudus says that Malchut is the attribute of speech – expressing to others what was concealed within the person. The reason that speech is associated with kingship is because the king rules by the decrees he commands with his speech.

Never was this point clearer then with the modern politician, whose primary way of gaining power is the spoken word. A person with the greatest ideas will never get elected unless he can persuade people with his words.