Close To Torah

David turns to Hashem for assistance in being pure, truthful and upright. Radak points out that this is the first psalm which is arranged in Alef-Beis order. The Alef-Beis order signifies importance and prominence. As we explore this psalm we shall come to understand its significance.

Complete Kingdom

Rabbi Saadiah Goan (around 888 – 942) explains that the 22 letter of the Hebrew Alphabet spell a most significant message. When one lines up the letters from Alef to Tuf, the middle four letters spell yud-chof-lamed-mem “yimloch, He [Hashem] will rule forever.” There are 9 letters before these middle four letters and nine letters after. They represent the royal guards which stand on either side of the King. Additionally, the 9 letters that precede yimloch, Alef to Tes, are equal numerically to 45 which is the same as Adam (Alef-Daled-Mem= 45). This shows that man is the purpose of creation. The 9 letters that follow yimloch, Nun to Tuf, are equal to 1350 which is the same numerically as Adam (45) multiplied by 30 (45×30=1350). Avos (6:6) tells us that there are 30 ways to acquire kingship. Thus the goal of life is to make Hashem our King, achieve personal greatness as an Adam and to attain kingship and dominion over our passions. It is David who teaches us how to accomplish this through his dedication and praise of Hashem.

Service of Hashem

David opened the psalm by proclaiming that he dedicates his life to Hashem (verse 1 based on Radak and Ibn Ezra). David continued to state that he put all of his trust in Hashem alone (verse 2). The Midrash states that this sincere expression merits Divine Care and Intervention. David asked Hashem to reveal to him His ways (verse 4). Radak explains that David was seeking an understanding of Hashem’s ultimate formula as to how He runs the world. Moshe Rabbeinu had asked for the same insight (see Shemos 33:13). Both were denied the full request as the human mind cannot fully fathom the divine in this world. David pleaded to Hashem to have mercy on him and the world (verse 6). He mentions the creation of the world drawing upon Hashem’s kindness and care just as a mother is evoked to feel love for her child when she remembers all that she gave to help bring him to life in the beginning. David mentions that Hashem even guides sinners to repent out of His love and care for his creations.

This psalm encapsulates the deepest and most vitals fundamentals of Jewish belief and thought. It is no surprise that this is expressed through the Hebrew Alphabet which is the foundation from which the world and all of existence were brought out.

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