Psalm 10: True Modesty – Tehillim Themes
(1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)
Loading ...- 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
Radak (Rabbi David Kimchi, 1160 – 1235) explains that this Psalm was written as a general prayer for one to recite when faced with a threatening enemy. King David presents the hard question of why Hashem sometimes seems to be turned away from us (verse 1). Sometimes it appears that the haughty people are able to subdue those who are poor and unfortunate (verse 2). At the end, David expresses his unrelenting faith in Hashem. Hashem hears every request of those that are modest (verse 18), even before they are articulated (Radak).
Humility
Haughtiness is a trait that is frequently referred to as repulsive to Hashem. The humble one is the person whom Hashem listens to and adores. Chazal (Taanis) tell us that the hard trees get downed by the strong winds because they are firm and thus blow over when resisting the wind. The soft trees sway with the wind, absorbing the shock and remaining resilient and standing. Those that are overly firm often have trouble dealing with others. They are unbending and tough and thus have lost before they began. Those whom are pleasant and modest will come out successful in life. The humble have special protection and care from Hashem. They are respected and heard by others.
History of the World
When Hashem created the world He made the Sun and Moon the same size. The Moon complained and stated that “you can’t have two Kings in one sky.” The moon wanted Hashem to diminish the Sun and crown the Moon as the King of the sky. Hashem told the Moon, “you are correct, thus go and diminish yourself.” The Moon learned that haughtiness was a destructive trait. It learned the importance of subjection and modesty. It is because this lesson was taken to heart that the Moon will ultimately be enlarged when Mashiach comes.
The Jews represent the Moon. Just as the Moon waxes and wanes, so too, Jewish history is replete with glorious ups and bitter downs. We recite Kiddush Levanah, the sanctification of the new Moon, once a month and pray for the ultimate redemption. We quote the verse which states, “David was the small one.” This shows that only those who are modest will persevere and be favored in Hashem’s eyes. David repeats the theme numerous times throughout Tehillim. Those who are haughty will be lowered by Hashem. Those who are modest will be elevated and endeared. It may sometimes look differently, and we do not fully grasp the wisdom of Hashem. One thing we know is that Hashem helps and deeply loves those that are modest and sincere.
Categories: Uncategorized
