Close To Torah

This famous psalm “Mizmor L’David Hashem roey lo ecsar, Hashem is my sherpherd…” was composed by David during the most dark and discouraging time in his life. David was a pursued fugitive by King Saul and he was forced to hide in a dry forest called Yaar Cheres (I Sameul 22:5) called so because of its dry and parched state. Hashem saw David’s plight and soaked the forest with moisture containing a flavor of the World To Come to feed and encourage David. David was deeply awed and thankful to Hashem.

Sharing

David was so moved by Hashem’s kindness that he wished to share and sing His praises publically. This was what David lived for, to spread the Greatness and Kindness of Hashem. The first verse of this psalm states, “Hashem is my shepherd, I shall never lack.” David recognized that Hashem provided for his every need. This message is powerful and is the source of happiness and wealth. The Seforim state that it is recommended for one to recite this psalm before eating each meal. (See Mishna Berurah 170:1)

At a Meal

The Arizal (1534 – 1572) explains that Psalm 23 directly connects to a meal in that the psalm contains fifty-seven words which is the same numerical value as the word zayin-nun, zun, which means nourishment. Additionally, it contains 227 letters which is the numerical value of beracha, blessing. One who recites this psalm and lives by its lesson will always be blessed with ample sustenance from Hashem.

Gratitude

The food that we eat presents us with a unique opportunity to thank Hashem for all that He does for us. We recognize that He is our True Provider. The berachos that we make on the food before and after eating remind us to thank our creator and sustainer. One who lives a life of gratitude and appreciation for all that He does for us will be most satisfied.

We have noted that originally the first two psalms were counted as one. This means that this psalm is really the 22^nd of the psalms. This corresponds to the 22 letter alphabet, the Alef-Beis, which is the primary foundation of the words of the Torah and all of existence. Indeed, this psalm expresses the deepest and most fundamental beliefs of the Jewish nation, that of gratitude and appreciation towards our Maker.

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