Page:Philip Birnbaum - ha-Siddur ha-Shalem (The Daily Prayer Book,1949).pdf/173

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This is the sixth day of the week, on which the Levites in the Temple used to recite:

The Lord is King; he is robed in majesty; the Lord is robed, he has girded himself with strength; thus the world is set firm and cannot be shaken. Thy throne stands firm from of old, thou art from all eternity. The floods have lifted up, O Lord, the floods have lifted up their voice; the floods lift up their mighty waves. But above the sound of many waters, mighty breakers of the sea, the Lord on high stands supreme. Thy testimonies are very sure; holiness befits thy house, O Lord, for all time.

The following is recited daily from Rosh Ḥodesh Elul until Simḥath Torah.

A psalm of David. The Lord is my light and aid; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When evildoers press against me to eat up my flesh—my enemies and my foes—it is they who stumble and fall. Even though an army were arrayed against me, my heart would not fear; though war should arise against me, still would I be confident. One thing I ask from the Lord, one thing I desire—that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the pleasantness of the Lord, and to meditate in his sanctuary. Surely, he will hide me within his own tabernacle in the day of distress; he will conceal me in the shelter of his tent; he will set me safe upon a rock. Thus my head shall be high above all my foes around me; I will offer sacrifices within his tabernacle to the sound of trumpets; I will sing and chant praises to the Lord. Hear, O Lord, my voice when I call; be gracious to me and answer me. In thy behalf my heart has said: "Seek you my presence";

... The psalmist speaks of God's attributes as a glorious garment wrapped about him. God's rule reestablishes the moral order of the world. Rashi and others interpret this psalm in connection with the Messianic era.

... God's control of the violent forces of nature is used here to represent his power over the mighty enemies of his people.

... God's moral laws are firmly established and unchangeable. Zion, his house, shall no longer be desecrated by heathen invaders.

The first part of this psalm expresses fearless confidence in the face of hostile armies, while the second part is a prayer of one in deep distress and beset by false accusers.

to eat my flesh, like wild beasts of prey.

... that is, living securely under God's protection and enjoying his hospitality.

... The psalmist, in his heart, quotes God's command to the effect that all must seek access to his presence.