David haMelekh, the greatest King of Israel was also the greatest poet in the Jewish people. He composed the book of Tehilim (Psalms). Tehilim is a TOTAL book. A book we can relate to from virtually any emotional condition we are experiencing in our lives. Any mood or state of mind.
Why? In Tehilim David heMelekh writes about happiness (For example Psalm 1, 118); gratitude to God (18, 100 and many others), and praise to HaShem (about on fifth of the book). But he also writes about fear (23,71), war and escape from his enemies (many!), his sickness and near death experience (30,40). His remorse and sincere repentance (25, 32, 51). His awe for HaShem's wisdom (8,19,104), his trust in God's just retribution despite the apparent success of the wicked (37, 73) and many many more subjects. David haMelekh was granted ruah haqodesh (Prophetic Inspiration, one level below Prophecy) to write his Psalms. And his personal experiences. David had a truly turbulent life. He personally suffered persecution, war, death of his loved ones, fear of death, remorse, sadness and fear. But he also experienced immense happiness, delight and joy and spiritual ecstasy. The special thing about King David is that in all these intense, profound and diverse life situations he always saw the Presence (or sought the intervention) of HaShem. Tehilim teaches us that despite all our efforts HaShem is the ultimate source of our good health and success. Tehilim also offers comfort and hope in times of despair by making us realize that HaShem is with us at all times. "Even if I would walk under the shadows of death, I will not be afraid, for I know that You are with me." (23) The power of Tehilim consists in the power of its ideas. They feed and strengthen our Emuna, i.e., our ability to see Him always, Present and Caring. One condition is required for Tehilim to work effectively and impact our Emuna: we must understand what we are reading. (To be continued....) |
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"Awesome Creation"
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