Tehillim (Psalms) holds a revered place in Jewish worship, interwoven into daily prayers and rituals. From Kabbalat Shabbat to the daily “Shir shel yom,” and even in times of mourning, Tehillim is a constant presence. When a Jewish person is sick, we commonly recite Tehillim. It is not a magical panacea. Instead, it helps comfort the sick individual as well as his relatives and friends who are praying on his behalf. When a Jew dies, a watch is kept over the body and tehillim is recited constantly until the burial service.
Many observant Jews complete the recitation of the entire book of Tehillim on a weekly or monthly basis while some—like the Lubavitch chasidim—read it before morning services on the Shabbos preceding the new moon. Why has Tehillim become so central, not just in Jewish liturgy but also in Christian worship?
The reading of psalms is viewed in Jewish tradition as a vehicle for gaining God’s favor. They are thus often specially recited in times of trouble, poverty, sickness or physical danger. The reading of Psalms also constitutes a significant part of Christian church worship. What makes the reading of Tehillim so special? Why has it become one of the most popular parts of the liturgy?
At first glance, Tehillim might seem like a collection of praises and thanksgiving from King David, portraying a life of ease. Yet, delving deeper, we uncover King David’s tumultuous life—marked by betrayal, danger and personal loss. Despite his hardships, King David’s Psalms are not bitter but filled with gratitude and praise for God’s steadfast presence and deliverance. For example, in Psalm 145, we read, “I will bless your name forever and ever. Every day I will bless you and I will praise your name…”
One might have thought that King David’s life was a bed of roses. It, therefore, may come as a surprise that when we read the haftarah of the seventh day of Pesach, we discover that King David’s life was a constant succession of conspiracy, danger and attempts on his life.
Rabbi Jonathan Rietti reminds us that King David had a very difficult life. His father did not think he was born in an honorable manner, for example, and did not acknowledge him as a son. He gave him a menial job tending the sheep alone in the middle of nowhere. King Saul was insanely jealous of him and tried to kill him, after setting him up for failure in the battle with Goliath. The prophet Samuel anointed him as king, yet he had to wait many years before he ascended to the throne. King David had rebellious sons, who tried to usurp the throne while he was alive. One of his sons even seduced and raped his stepsister. Life was one challenge after another.
Yet, we read in the haftarah (Shmuel II, 22:1-51) how King David was not bitter and cynical. If anything, his attitude was quite the opposite. He was extremely grateful and praised Hashem for the way his life turned out. “With praises, I call onto Hashem and I am saved from my enemies … I will thank you, Hashem, and sing to your name.” How does one go through a lifetime of hardships and challenges yet sing God’s praises?
The answer, perhaps, is alluded to in Psalms, chapter 23:4. King David famously stated, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for you are with me.” Notice that King David did not expect that we will live charmed lives with no hardships. Indeed, life may be difficult at times. Many of us may have financial problems, family problems or children who do not live up to our expectations. We may even suffer health problems. We may feel as if we are “walking through the shadow of the valley of death.” God did not promise that we would have no problems in life. However, what keeps us going is when we realize that—even though we are having difficult moments—we are not afraid. We are not discouraged. We remember that God is with us. He will comfort us and help see us through any rough times we experience. King David found solace in God’s companionship during tough times.
Perhaps, when we recite Tehillim we are reassured by Dovid Hamelech that—even though we may now be suffering from temporary trials and tribulations—we are to take heart. King David had a very difficult life but, yet, was able to stay positive by faith. We too, need to have “emunah—faith” in Hashem, and stay encouraged that life events will work out the way they were meant to be.
May we be reminded that, while life may have its challenges, we are not alone. God is with us. When we have the proper faith and confidence, Hashem will bless us and help us get through. Our faith—like King David’s—can sustain us through life’s trials, guiding us to believe that “surely goodness and loving kindness will follow us all the days of our lives.”
Rabbi Dr. Avi Kuperberg is a forensic, clinical psychologist and a member of the American Psychology-Law Society. He is the coordinator of Bikur Cholim/Chesed at Congregation Torah Ohr in Boca Raton, Florida. He can be reached at [email protected].
