Close To Torah

David found himself inflicted with illness and composed psalms 38 thru 41 to discuss his perspective on the matter. David felt that his sins were the cause of his physical ailments. The commentators explain how David’s illness represents the collective Jewish suffering throughout the exile and the nation’s subsequent distance from Hashem. Just as David prayed for his own recovery, so too we pray for the ultimate redemption to come speedily in our days.

Unusual Song

Alshich points out that the psalm opens with the words, “A Song to David.” This is not the usual way that one would expect to see a lament about personal and communal illness begin. It should have started with, “a lament to David” or the like? Alshich explains that David’s faith and reliance upon Hashem were so strong that David knew that all of his personal suffering had a great purpose and he was able to sing thanks to Hashem in recognition that Hashem was granting him the pain that he needed in order that things should turn out the best for him.

Fragmented

David states, “I lack internal peace on account of my sins (verse 4).” David’s spiritual sensitivity allowed him to feel the disconnection which sins caused in distancing him from Hashem. We have been put in the world to achieve spiritual enlightenment and perfection. When we sin we are thus turning our backs away from reality; Hashem therefore turns away in response as well. When we turn towards Him in repentance He lovingly accepts us right back.

The Solution

How does one learn to control his raging impulses and desires? How is a feeble mortal of flesh and blood expected to truly steer away from sin. Verse 10 states, “All my desires pale into insignificance when I place You [Hashem] before me (based on Malbim).” David states that the greatest joy in life is that of connection with Hashem. This is something that only one who has tasted it can attest to its validity. David acknowledges that man is sometimes faced with great challenges that seem to offer him pleasure and instant gratification. The solution is to think about the beauty and value of spirituality and to get back on track with that focus. Hashem has the greatest and most pleasurable rewards to offer us in this world and the next. Thus, thinking about the benefits of a fleeting sin versus eternal reward steers one back to spirituality.

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