Close To Torah

The past few psalms focused on David’s sadness over those who wished to harm him. This psalm expresses David mourning of the loss of a friend and once trusted confidant. Achitofel betrayed David and proclaimed himself his archenemy. David had studied Torah with Achitofel and they had also developed their political careers together. David was heart-broken when it was none other than Achitofel who incited David’s own son Absalom to rebel against his own father. David learned the sad truth that Achitofel’s friendship had never been one of love and mutual admiration. Rather, Achitofel simply wanted to advance his own personal gains. In fact, he never even intended to help Absalom in his rebellion to ascend to the throne either. Rather, he wished to have Absalom do all of the work for him after which Achitofel would dispose of him and claim the crown.

Strength

David realized his sadness and frustration and felt the desire to pull away from society and not trust anyone else. David was betrayed by his own son and by his close friend, David lost faith in humanity; he wished to escape (verse 7). David was only brought back to reality with the recognition that he was King of Israel and that despite his personal suffering and challenges, Hashem had entrusted him with the directive to lead and guide the nation. David had to remain strong for their sake. David would seek more trustworthy friends and he would treat others with the respect that he wished bestowed on him.

Location

David expresses the fact that he wished to “run away to dwell in the desert… (verse 8).” Rambam (Deos 6:1) notes that man must dwell in a place that he feels physically and spiritually safe. If one of these aspects is challenged, then he is better off dwelling in the desert as apposed to remaining in a place of danger. Rambam notes that spiritual danger can have deep adverse effects on man as man is influenced by his surroundings. David expressed this danger in the verse. And yet, in the end he did not flee to the desert. David recognized that there are good people in this world. It is true that David experienced evil plots against him, but this was coming from individuals, not from the majority of the inhabitants.

Salvation

David prayed to Hashem and strove to bring back stability to his life. David’s theme of trust in Hashem was repeated and deepened on a daily basis. There is no other place to turn for help except to Hashem. David even concludes the psalm giving credit to the masses of his supporters whom he felt had a hand in praying for and securing his ultimate safety (verse 19).

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