Every morning when anxiety starts to creep in, its become a practice for me to just 'hit the Torah'. My Hebrew Bible Study App does daily Psalms and today it chose Psalm 7. Nothing has ever confused me more than reading the following 18 lines. Skip below though for the Psalm in layman's terms.
Psalm 7
1A shiggayon of David, which he sang to the Lord concerning Cush the Benjamite.
2O Lord, my God, I have taken refuge in You; save me from all my pursuers and deliver me.
3Lest he tear my soul like a lion, rending it to pieces with no one to save [me].
4O Lord, my God, if I have done this, if there is any injustice in my hands;
5if I repaid the one who did evil to me, and I stripped my adversary into emptiness,
6may the enemy pursue my soul and overtake [me] and trample my life to the ground, and cause my soul to rest in the dust forever.
7Arise, O Lord, with Your wrath; exalt Yourself with anger upon my adversaries, and awaken for me the judgment that You commanded.
8And [if] a congregation of kingdoms surrounds You, return on high over them.
9May the Lord judge the peoples; judge me, O Lord, according to my righteousness and according to my innocence, which is upon me.
10May evil destroy the wicked, and may You establish the righteous, for the righteous God tests the hearts and the reins.
11My shield is upon God, Who saves the upright in heart.
12God is a righteous judge, and God is incensed every day.
13If he does not repent, He will whet His sword; He has trodden His bow and made it ready.
14And He has prepared deadly weapons for him; He will make arrows for pursuers.
15Behold, he travails with iniquity; he conceives mischief, and gives birth to lies.
16He dug a pit and deepened it, and he fell into the pit that he made.
17His mischief will return upon his head, and his violence will descend upon his crown.
18I will thank the Lord according to His righteousness, and I will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High.
Boy- this lost me.
Apparently though, Psalm 7 is a deeply personal lament of Kind David. In this psalm, David appeals to the Lord for Justice against his enemies who are pursuing him. It begins with David seeking refuge in G-d, proclaiming his faithfulness and innocence. He asks G-d to deliver him from those who seek to harm him unjustly. In verse 3, David asks G-d to examine his heart and test his integrity, knowing that G-d sees all and judges righteously. He confidently declares his innocence and asks G-d to intervene on his behalf. David acknowledges that if he has done anything wrong, then he deserves to be punished, but he is confident in his righteousness.
Throughout the psalm, David reflects on the character of G-d, highlighting His righteousness and His ability to see into the hearts of men. He calls on G-d as the righteous judge, and pleads for justice to be served. David expresses his trust in G-d's judgement, knowing that He will bring justice in His perfect time and manner.
The overall theme of Psalm 7 is the assurance that G-d will defend the innocent and bring justice to the righteous. It encourages us to place our trust in G-d and seek His guidance in times of trouble. This psalm reminds us that even when we face opposition and injustice, we can find refuge in G-d and entrust our cause to Him. As with any psalm, there may be specific historical contexts and circumstances that influenced its composition, but the beauty of the psalms is their timeless and universal message.
They continue to resonate with people in various situations, providing comfort, guidance, and expressions of praise or lament. If you want to explore this further, read the entire psalm and meditate on its words. Dive into the richness of the Book of Psalms and discover the many ways it speaks to the human experience and our relationship with G-d.
Why incorporate "Daily Psalms" into your life?
The daily recitation of Psalms, whether individually or as part of communal worship, can have several spiritual and practical benefits.
Expressing our emotions. The Psalms cover a wide range of human emotions and experiences. They give voice to our joys, sorrows, fears, and praises. Reciting the Psalms daily allows us to pour out our hearts to G-d and find comfort, solace, and hope in His presence.
Strengthening our faith. The Psalms serve as a reminder of G-d's faithfulness, His mighty words, and His promises to His people. By immersing ourselves daily in these songs and prayers, we deepen our trust in G-d and develop a stronger faith. The Psalms can uplift our spirits and renew our confidence in G-d's protection and guidance.
Shaping our perspective. The psalms provide us with a lens through which we can view the world and our experiences. They offer insights into the human condition, wisdom for daily living, and reminders of G-d's sovereignty. Regularly engaging with the Psalms can help us gain a broader perspective, find meaning in even the most challenging situations, and navigate through life's ups and downs.
Connecting with ancient traditions. The recitation of Psalms connects us to the right heritage and spiritual practices of our ancestors. For centuries, Jews have turned to the Psalms as a source of inspiration, comfort, and worship. By joining in this ongoing tradition, we become part of a larger community that has found solace and strength in the words of these sacred songs.
Improving our spiritual discipline. Including the Psalms in our daily spiritual practice helps cultivate a discipline of regular prayer and meditation. it establishes a rhythm of connecting with G-d, allowing us to develop a deeper, more intimate relationship with Him. Remember, the Psalms carry spiritual power, not only because of their poetic beauty but also due to their divine origin and message.
The Book of Psalms and Reform Judaism
The Book of Psalms holds high significance and is used in various ways within Reform Judaism. While the approach to and interpretation of the Psalms may differ among individuals and communities, they continue to play an important role in the worship, spiritual practice, and liturgy of Reform Judaism.
Reform Jews often incorporate Psalms into their prayer services, both in traditional Hebrew and in translations or paraphrases that reflect contemporary languages and sensibilities. Psalms may be read or chanted during communal worship, or individuals can incorporate them into their personal prayer and meditation practices.
In reform synagogues, Psalms are sometimes included in the order of service for specific occasions or as part of regular prayer during Shabbat and other holidays. Select Psalms may be recited during celebrations such as bar/bat mitzvahs, weddings, and funerals, providing a meaningful and emotional connection to centuries of jewish tradition.
Reform Jews often draw inspiration from the Psalms as reflections of the human condition and as expressions of prayer and praise. The themes found in the Psalms of seeking G-d's presence, expressing gratitude, finding comfort in times of distress, and rejoicing in moments of joy resonate with Reform Jewish values.
Remember that Reform Judaism emphasizes personal spiritual connection, social justice, and inclusivity, and the Psalms offer a rich and diverse tapestry of emotions, experiences, and ideas that align with these values. Reform Jews appreciate t he universal messages contained within the Psalms and their ability to speak to the contemporary human experience. While interpretations and practices may vary, the Psalms continue to be embraced in Reform Judaism as a source of inspiration, solace, and spiritual connection. Their poetic beauty, depth, and the timeless truths they convey make them a valuable part of jewish worship and spiritual life.
If you choose to incorporate the daily recitation of Psalms into your spiritual practice, you may find it beneficial to explore different Psalms based on your personal needs or current circumstances.
And remember that whatever you gave the day today, it was your best, and that's enough.
-N
ps: A tip from one lost Jew to another, if you were wondering how to pronounce Psalm, let me help you. Apparently when pronouncing Psalm, the P is silent.
stay vulnerable and never be ashamed of what you didn't know :)
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