Psalm 1: King David’s Life 101 – Tehillim Themes
- Introduction 1: With Heart and Mind – Tehillim Themes
- Introduction 2: Like Father Like Son – Tehillim Themes
- Introduction 3: A Glimpse of David – Tehillim Themes
- Introduction 4: David’s Inner Humility – Tehillim Themes
- Introduction 5: The Clear Layout – Tehillim Themes
- Psalm 1: King David’s Life 101 – Tehillim Themes
- Psalm 2: The Most Famous Question – Tehillim Themes
- Psalm 3: Bridging All Gaps – Tehillim Themes
- Psalm 4: Best Merchandise – Tehillim Themes
- Psalm 5: True Values – Tehillim Themes
- Psalm 6: Cries For Recovery – Tehillim Themes
- Psalm 7: Great Enough to Admit Mistakes – Tehillim Themes
- Psalm 8: Finding Godliness – Tehillim Themes
- Psalm 9: Eye of the Beholder – Tehillim Themes
- Psalm 10: True Modesty – Tehillim Themes
- Psalm 11: Life Tests – Tehillim Themes
- Psalm 12: The Pursuit of Life – Tehillim Themes
- Psalm 13: Holding Strong – Tehillim Themes
- Psalm 14: Exile and Redemption – Tehillim Themes
- Psalm 15: Beyond The Call of Duty – Tehillim Themes
- Psalm 16: How To Enjoy Life – Tehillim Themes
- Psalm 17: Humility in Practice – Tehillim Themes
- Psalm 18: Full Love to Hashem – Tehillim Themes
- Psalm 19: Experiencing the Awe – Tehillim Themes
- Psalm 20: Experiencing the Present – Tehillim Themes
- Psalm 21: Perspective on Redemption – Tehillim Themes
- Psalm 22: Purim Every Day – Part 1 – Tehillim Themes
- Psalm 22: Purim Esther and Hashem: Part 2 – Tehillim Themes
- Psalm 23: Food For Thought – Tehillim Themes
- Psalm 24: The Lesson of Sunday – Tehillim Themes
- Psalm 25: The Hebrew Alphabet – Tehillim Themes
- Psalm 26: Thinking Ahead – Tehillim Themes
- Psalm 27: The Ultimate Psalm – Tehillim Themes
- Psalm 28: God’s Names – Tehillim Themes
- Psalm 29: Standing Before God – Tehillim Themes
- Psalm 30: True Dedication – Tehillim Themes
- Psalm 31: David’s Feats – Tehillim Themes
- Psalm 32: A Real Person – Tehillim Themes
- Psalm 33: Divine Providence – Tehillim Themes
- Psalm 34: Reality Check – Tehillim Themes
- Psalm 35: Whole Body Praise – Tehillim Themes
- Psalm 36: Overcoming Evil – Tehillim Themes
- Psalm 37: Prosperity – Tehillim Themes
- Psalm 38: Song of Redemption – Tehillim Themes
- Psalm 39: Song of Introspection – Tehillim Themes
- Psalm 40: Life Perspective – Tehillim Themes
- Psalm 41: Value of Time – Tehillim Themes
- Psalm 42: Book Two and Korach’s Sons – Tehillim Themes
- Psalm 43: His Care and Concern – Tehillim Themes
- Psalm 44: Fair System – Tehillim Themes
- Psalm 45: Delicate Rose – Tehillim Themes
- Psalm 46: Hidden Meanings – Tehillim Themes
- Psalm 48: The Song of Monday – Tehillim Themes
- Psalm 49: True Worth – Tehillim Themes
- Psalm 50: Hashem’s Goal is David’s Goal – Tehillim Themes
- Psalm 51: The Art of Repentance – Tehillim Themes
- Psalm 52: Dangerous Slander
- Psalm 53: Jewish Survival Method – Tehillim Themes
- Psalm 54: Trust vs. Betrayal – Tehillim Themes
- Psalm 55: David’s Trust – Tehillim Themes
- Psalm 56: David’s Plan – Tehillim Themes
- Psalm 57: David’s Lesson – Tehillim Themes
- Psalm 58: The Spider, Fly and Madman – Tehillim Themes
- Psalm 59: Peace of Mind and Kind – Tehillim Themes
- Psalm 60: World Peace – Tehillim Themes
- Psalm 61: Inextinguishable – Tehillim Themes
- Psalm 62: Real Strength and Wealth – Tehillim Themes
David HaMelech asked the question that all of mankind has wondered since the beginning of time. How long will I live for (Shabbos 30a)? Hashem answered David, “I have a decree that this cannot be revealed to a man of flesh and blood.” What is this all about? And why is man specifically described as ‘flesh and blood’? The Gemara in Pesachim (54b) tells us that there are really seven things that are not to be revealed to man: 1) his lifespan, 2) his day of salvation (from personal troubles. Rashi), 3) true judgment (in the future. Rashi), 4) what others are thinking in their minds, 5) which business deals will profit, 6) when Malchus Beis David (the Messiah) will come and 7) when the government will fall.
Why The Mystery?
The common thread and rationale behind all of these items being required to remain hidden is that society could not function on a physical or spiritual level if man was privy to any of that information. If everyone knew which area of work would be successful, then the entire world would only focus on that profitable endeavor and no one would do anything else. There would be no food, clothing, shelter or vital resources. If we knew what others were thinking, this would make personal interactions very difficult and troubling. If one knew how long he had to live, this would remove the value and urgency of life. People would lose focus on what was truly important. The ambiguous unknown forces one to stay alert spiritually and recognize the deep reliance that we have upon Hashem. This is why the term ‘flesh and blood’ is specifically used, as it calls to mind man’s frailty and vulnerable state of existence, the very source of encouragement that propels one to excel in life.
David’s Perspective
King David was truthfully destined to die after only three hours of life (as was discussed in Introduction 3). It was only the gracious donation of Adam that added seventy years to David’s existence. David thus lived his entire life with a perspective of purpose and focus knowing that it was all a gift. He wished to achieve the greatest spiritual heights and closeness to Hashem. He never took his time for granted. Hashem rewarded him with spiritual wealth and physical richness and royalty as well.
Chumash and Tehillim
King David wrote Tehillim in order to be in line with Moshe’s Torah. Moshe concluded the Torah with an expression of (Vzos HaBeracha 33:29) “Ashrecha Yisrael, praiseworthy are you Israel,” and so too, David began Tehillim with the same words that Moshe, so to speak, left off with, “Ashrei HaIsh, praiseworthy is the person (verse 1)” (Midrash Socher Tov). David embodied the man striving for perfection. It is for this reason that so much of Sefer Tehillim focuses on the virtue and happiness of a person who lives a life connected to Hashem. The first stage of man’s perfection is to be aware of the world around him and to know what is good and what is evil. The next stage is to perform Hashem’s commandments with enthusiasm. David made it amply clear that his Tehillim were an emotional and intellectual discussion of the great ideals of Moshe’s Torah.
True Osher
Malbim points out that the word “Hatzlacha, success” refers to earthy accomplishments.
When someone embarks on a business venture we wish him or her ‘Hatzlacha, that all should be successful.’ The word “Ashrei, blessed” which opens Sefer Tehillim refers to spiritual success. David shows us with his very first utterance in Tehillim that if our focus is on maximizing and using life in a spiritual way then we have the key to happiness. When one is in tune with spiritual ideals then the challenge of staying away from bad influences is made clearer and easier (verse 1). The successful person’s focus is geared on connecting with Torah and seeing it as the true source of blessing and greatness (Verses 2-3).
David’s Message
David began his journey in life with a commitment to truth and to spirituality. He shows us how to find spiritual fulfillment through keeping the Torah and Mitzvos. David compares the Torah scholar to a “firmly planted tree on the river bank whose leaves will never wilt” (verse 4). Chazal (Succah 21b) learn from this expression that just as a leaf protects the fruit under it and serves a great purpose, so too, the Talmid Chacham’s every word, and even his joking comments, need to be studied for their depth. This shows how one can imbue his or her life with a great holiness that elevates the mundane (See Berachos 63a). David points out very clearly (verse 5-6) that the way of the righteous leads to happiness and the way of the evil doers is doomed. David pleads with us to choice a life of holiness and greatness and to share his passion for life and for the service of Hashem.
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