Close To Torah

King David was a prophet (see Megillah 14a with Rashi). Hashem revealed to him that his future generations would be challenged and threatened by extinction. This came close to being fulfilled twice (Radak). First, when Shaul was pursuing David to kill him and he came very near. Secondly, when Ataliah annihilated all of David’s dependences except for the infant Yoash (see II Kings 11).

It was with this in mind that David called out to Hashem begging Him to save him. David ends the psalm with a strong expression of his confidence that Hashem would protect and watch over him and his family despite their being surrounded by challenges.

Sheep Among Wolves

It is for this reason that the Vilna Goan states that this psalm was the Song of the Day for Shemini Atzeres. First the seven days of Succos there are a total of seventy sacrificial offerings brought in the Beis HaMikdash which corresponded to the seventy nations who surround Israel. The offering of the eighth day, that of Shemini Atzeres, represented the lone nation of Israel, the innocent sheep, who would remain protected from the seventy wolves that surrounded it. This stood as testimony to Hashem’s love and commitment to the Jewish nation. He would protect us and watch over us.

Going in Circles

David states (verse 9), “the evil doers go in circles.” This is a reference to sins which accomplish nothing. The evil doers waste their lives pursuing falsehood and frivolity. The Alter of Navardok (Rabbi Yosef Yozel Horwitz, 1847 – 1919) gives a parable to explain the actions of evil doers. There was once a wagon driver who got drunk. He went out on a cold and icy night and took his carriage for a ride. After many hours of driving in circles, he finally sobered up and realized that he had literally gotten nowhere! So too, the Evil Inclination convinces us and intoxicates us to pursue pleasure only to leave us with the feeling of sadness and the ultimate realization that we have not gotten anywhere by following evil ideas. This is the meaning of the words, “the evil doers go in circles.”

Worthwhile

David HaMelech teaches us to pursue worthwhile endeavors. David put his trust in Hashem the only One Who can be relied upon. David shows us that a life of spirituality brings to true fulfillment and success.

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