In Tanach the phrase “before Hashem”, suggests that an activity is performed in accordance with Hashem’s will. Horav S.R. Hirsch, z.l., suggests that here, too, before Hashem – means simply in the name of Hashem. Nimrod had a quiet “pious G-d pleasing” manner, which was the culmination of his wickedness. The name “Hashem” had not yet become lost. When properly understood, the same Name implies the equality of men. It takes benevolence and love normative and applicable to all. Nimrod was the first person to distort this Name, using it to suppress and subjugate his fellow man – all in…
