Close To Torah

This psalm is the final of the three Al Tashcheis, don’t destroy, series. Shaul was taken by a fleeting and often returning madness. When David was once playing music to soothe Shaul, Shaul suddenly was overtaken by the madness and threw his spear at him to kill him. David fled knowing that things would never be the same. David was married to Michal, Shaul’s beautiful daughter who agreed to marry him after David slayed Goliath showing his spiritual greatness. Shaul sent soldiers to his daughter and son-in-law’s house to capture and execute David. Michal loved her husband and was committed to him. She thus snuck him out of a side window and diverted and lied to the soldiers.

Michal’s Claim

Michal placed a mannequin in David’s bed claiming that he was sick and unavailable. Shaul ordered that the bed be carried to him in the meantime giving David much time to escape and hide. David sang thanks to Hashem for once again orchestrating his close escape. Michal showed the importance of respecting and caring for one’s husband despite all outside pressure especially from family! David deeply loved and cared for her as well.

David’s Feat

One of the most impressive parts of these psalms is David’s ability to remain calm and focused. Despite the great turmoil in David’s life, he sang and gave thanks to Hashem for watching over and protecting him. David talks about Hashem’s kindness and gives thanks for its manifestation (Rashi verse 11).

Kindness

There is an interesting Kri and Ksiv found here. The verse reads, “chasdo, His Kindness,” in its actual text but is pronounced as, “chasdi, my kindness” according to our tradition. This hints to the fact that it is precisely in the merit of one’s kindness towards others (chosdi) that Hashem bestows His kindness upon you (chasdo). Hashem states that when you take care of my children and watch out for them, then I will watch over you and take care of your needs (Midrash). It thus emerges that David’s constant salvations came from Hashem in the merit of his kind acts of caring for and love towards his fellow Jews. David left his heartfelt prayers as a guide for Jews to use to get closer to and to call out to Hashem for help.

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