Close To Torah

This psalm is famous and special as it ushers in the Days of Awe. It is said throughout Elul, through the Ten Days of Repentance and until the end of Succos. During Elul the shofar is blown before (and in some shuls after) the recitation of this psalm. What is so significant about it that it should be chosen for this special time period? Strangely, there is no mention of repentance in the entire psalm and that seems to be the theme of Elul and Rosh Hashanah through Yom Kippur and Succos?

The Climax

Without a doubt there is one phrase in this psalm which says it all. That phrase answers why this psalm was chosen and why repentance was not the priority to be expressed. Verse four exclaims, “One thing I asked of Hashem, that I seek, that I dwell in the house of Hashem all the days of my life…” David’s statement here expresses the method whereby instead of repenting from sins committed one was able to avoid them in the first place. When one is devoted to Hashem in a most intimate way this helps one achieve the greatest heights and to steer away from all sins. Hence, the theme of Elul and the Yamim Noraim is beautifully expressed in this psalm specifically, achieving closeness to God.

It must be noted and clarified that of course everyone sins and David himself dedicated Psalm 51 as the ultimate expression of repentance. The point here is that when one is connected to Hashem, this is the ultimate safeguard against sin as well as the ultimate motivation to achieve a true repentance. It is only when someone recognizes the greatness of the one whom he insulted that the sinner can offer a full apology.

Another Solution

This thesis helps explain and answer another anomaly regarding this psalm. David states that he only has one request. He then proceeds to rattle off an entire list of requests: “One thing I asked… That I dwell in the house of Hashem… to behold the delight of Hashem, to meditate in His sanctuary… He will shelter me…. He will lift my head… He will heed to my prayers (verses 4-8)” This seems like more than one thing?! There are numerous answers offered by the commentators. According to what we have posited that the theme here is David’s devotion and connection to Hashem, we can further explain that all of the items listed are really all part of the single request of intimate closeness with Hashem. David asked for closeness to Hashem. All of the other benefits were a derivative of that goal.

Another approach focuses on the words that come immediately after “I have one request.” “Oso avakesh, that I request.” David prayed that his whole life he should have one goal: “Oso avakesh, that I seek closeness with God.” That was his one request and priority. Once again, the verses that follow are simply a list of the benefits that will stem from that accomplishment.

David’s words are powerful, melodious and inspiring. May we merit to connect with the words of Psalm 27 and most importantly may we aspire to the great goals enumerated. May we carry out the beauty of the psalm and enjoy true closeness to Hashem.

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