Close To Torah

In psalm 52 David described a corrupt and powerful man named Doeg. His selfish acts caused many people to lose their lives. In this psalm David describes a force of evil that is found in a man who wishes to deny God’s providence and very existence. This person is called a “naval, scoundrel” because his selfish desires influence him to deny God. This person lives life according to his own whims and wishes to push away all connection with reality and God. His mantra is, “there is no God nor do I have any responsibility.”

Specific Reference

The men of the city of Ziph were precisely these people. They were from the tribe of Yehuda, David’s own relatives, but they wished to betray David. Even Saul was surprised by their actions when they came to him claiming to report about David’s location. These men did not care about David, nor Saul. They simply acted out of the hope for self-gain. They thought that if they turned David in, then they would be viewed favorably and rewarded by King Saul. Alshich comments that this psalm required the playing of extra instruments as noted in its opening. This is because David sang each psalm with Divine Inspiration. When one is sad, he cannot gain that inspiration. David was so saddened to talk about the treacherous Ziphim that he needed extra instrumental help to cheer him up. It greatly bothered David that such perverted deniers of God could exist.

Their Type

The Talmud tells us that the Ziphim tried to turn in David to King Saul. Their name connotes their personality, Ziphim comes from the root: zayif- falsifiers. They lied to Saul stating that they could easily turn in David even though he was really too far away from their grasp (Maharsha). The basic trait of this people was that of lying and denial. When one has no moral obligations he tends to go through life focusing on self and taking liberties to lie and cheat others. The Ziphim threw off all responsibility and chose to ignore their rich heritage.

Prayer

David publicized their terrible actions so that others would distance themselves from the Ziphites and not be taken advantage of and abused by them. David wanted the world to know about their dishonesty and lack of moral integrity. David states (verse 4), “God listens to my prayers.” Why was this stated here? Zohar explains that the implication is that God does not hear the prayers of the Ziphim, because they are liars and God abhors those whom do not speak the truth. David expresses that fact that despite the evil people around him, God protects him and determines whether or not he will escape unharmed. David’s commitment to God is his strength. This indeed is that entire theme of Sefer Tehillim. David concludes by stating that justice will prevail and that God takes care of rewarding and punishing every action (verse 7). God is trustworthy and those committed to God dedicate themselves to emulating His traits.

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