Kaisipang Hudyo sa 1 Samuel 12:11: Derush Chiddushei HaLevanah

David is described with the term בן אדם (ben adam), [which we have translated as “mortal”. A more literal translation of ben adam is “son of man.”] Adam is the most superlative term for man, as the Zohar, Parshas Tazria,³⁸Zohar, Vol. III, Parshas Tazria, p. 48a. states. Therefore, it is appropriate to use [this term] with regard to David, for he reigned over Israel and the monarchy was given to him for eternity. [However,] David is referred to as ben Adam, “son of man,” and not Adam, “man,” because [in a way,] David was “the son of Adam,” as it were. As our Sages taught,³⁹Yalkut Shimoni, Bereishis, sec. 41. David was destined to be stillborn and Adam, the first man, granted him 70 years of his life. Do not be surprised that David himself authored this psalm [even though it explicitly alludes to him. We see an even more surprising expression of this quality with regard to] Shmuel, who declared,⁴⁰I Shmuel 12:11. “And He sent Yerubaal, Yiftach… and Shmuel,” referring to himself by name. Here, although David spoke about himself, he did not refer to himself by name, [but instead,] used a different term. [Thus, this verse is less surprising.]