6 Cheshvan 21 October 2023
לָ֭מָּה רָגְשׁ֣וּ גוֹיִ֑ם וּ֝לְאֻמִּ֗ים יֶהְגּוּ־רִֽיק׃
Why do nations assemble,
and peoples plot vain things;יִ֥תְיַצְּב֨וּ ׀ מַלְכֵי־אֶ֗רֶץ וְרוֹזְנִ֥ים נֽוֹסְדוּ־יָ֑חַד עַל־ד’ וְעַל־מְשִׁיחֽוֹ׃
kings of the earth take their stand,
and regents intrigue together
against the L-RD and against His anointed?
As we continue reading the Psalm, we discover that G-d laughs at the nations that attack His people. He will never abandon His people, and He will punish nations that attack His people, His son, and therefore Him.
Don’t we all have the same experience as parents: “Don’t touch my child!” It sharpens all of your senses, brings all of your power to the surface, and all basic impulses will drive you to do anything to protect your child.
But, if G-d punishes the nations, what does it mean for us as individuals from those nations? As Noahides we stand behind Israel, we are part of the nations, however, we do not wish to take part in their evil actions.
A Midrash compares the wicked to grasshoppers confined in a box that desperately want to escape but fail. However, one or two individuals always manage to stick out.
There will always be people who criticize their “friends” for their actions. Why do you treat G-d’s people this way, why do you want to be a part of the people who want to fight them, condemn them, want… without delving into the truth? And his “friend” will be furious.
The righteous one stands up and says to Hashem: Why? Yalkut comments: Rav Yitzchok said: “..and they are not punished. Why indeed are they not punished? Because their sole concern is the welfare of Israel!
All of this leads me to the conclusion of the Psalm:
אַ֝שְׁרֵ֗י כׇּל־ח֥וֹסֵי בֽוֹ׃
Praisis – for those who trust in Him
Whatever happens, Israel will always continue to trust G-d. No matter what occurs, those who are righteous among the nations will always continue their trust in G-d.
By Angelique Sijbolts
Sources:
Tehillim Artscroll Tanach Series
Texts from Sefaria.org
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