Close To Torah

King David expressed the fact that those that joined his enemy Achitofel and his evil plot to overthrow the kingdom were driven for only power and personal honor. The goal of King David was to bring out the honor of Hashem on this planet.    David says, “Hashem is my King and my God” (verse 3). David recognized that his entire purpose in being the king was to bring honor and glory to Hashem. Unlike many of the other kings of the ancient world, David did not deify himself. He did not claim to be all powerful and all-knowing. David was the epitome of modesty and reliance on Hashem. He proclaimed, “to You (Hashem) I pray” (verse 3).

To Overcome Evil

David states, (verse 5), “Evil does not dwell with You Hashem.” Godliness negates evil. Hashem created a world in which He allows evil to exist. Its sole purpose is to be eradicated. Man is challenged by his evil inclination and is encouraged to choose truth and that which is good. Man is granted the freewill to make this choice. It is a difficult one, but man has the ability to overcome evil and to elevate his life to one of a most fulfilling spiritual journey.

For Whose Sake?

David states the fact that even though his enemies, Achitofel and Doeg study Torah, they do so with the intention of elevating themselves and to help fortify their evil actions and are thus hated by Hashem. It is important to note that this refers to Hashem’s hatred for their actions, not for them as a person. If they were to do teshuvah, repentance, they would be accepted and embraced as the beloved long lost son of our nation.

David states that evil doers will have their lives cut in half and shortened (verse 7). Indeed, Achitofel died at 33; Doeg at 34 (Sanhedrin 106b). David understood firsthand that a life was only worth living if one is committed to growth and spiritual development. People that waste their time and life, especially for evil pursuits are considered dead even while on this earth (see Berachos 18b). David was only granted his 70 years on earth as a time in which he would bring out his great spiritual potential and sing the true praise of Hashem (see Introduction 3). David taught us how to cry to Hashem and how to rejoice in serving Him.

Special Protection

David concluded this Psalm by stating that Hashem protects the righteous and grants great reward to those that serve Him (verse 13). The rewards and protection are described as “surrounding the Tzaddik.” This is to signify that the protection granted is a reward for the righteous who enveloped themselves in the Glory of Hashem.

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