Because she loves Me, says the Lord, I will rescue her; I will protect her. She will call on Me, and I will answer her. I will be with her in trouble, I will deliver her.
From a Jewish perspective, Psalm 91 is traditionally understood as a profound expression of trust in God's protection and care. It is often recited as a prayer for safety and reassurance, particularly in times of danger or uncertainty. Here's a closer look at Psalm 91:14-15 within the Jewish context:
Key Themes in Jewish Interpretation
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“Because she loves Me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue her; I will protect her...”
- Love and Devotion: In Judaism, love for God (ahavat Hashem) is a central commandment, as expressed in the Shema: "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and might" (Deuteronomy 6:5). This verse reflects the reciprocal relationship: when a person demonstrates love and loyalty to God, God responds with protection and rescue.
- Divine Rescue: The idea of God as a rescuer aligns with the Jewish belief in God as a savior who intervenes in times of need, as He did during events like the Exodus from Egypt.
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“She will call on Me, and I will answer her...”
- Prayer and God's Responsiveness: Jewish tradition places a strong emphasis on the power of prayer (tefillah). This verse reaffirms the belief that God listens to and answers those who turn to Him sincerely. The Talmud teaches that "even a simple prayer from the heart reaches the heavens" (Berakhot 10a).
- Covenantal Relationship: This reflects the covenant between God and Israel, where God is described as being attentive to the cries of His people (Exodus 2:24).
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“I will be with her in trouble, I will deliver her.”
- God’s Presence in Suffering: In Jewish thought, God's presence (Shechinah) is often described as being closest during times of pain or hardship. For example, the Midrash explains that God shares in the suffering of His people (Isaiah 63:9).
- Deliverance and Redemption: This echoes the ultimate hope for divine salvation, both on a personal level (from individual challenges) and on a national level (redemption of Israel as a people).
Jewish Liturgical and Practical Use
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Daily Recitation: Psalm 91 is part of Jewish liturgy and is recited in several contexts, such as:
- Before bed as part of the Kriyat Shema al HaMitah (the bedtime Shema), seeking protection during the night.
- During times of distress or danger, as a source of comfort and assurance.
- In rituals of healing or protection, where it is believed to invoke divine safeguarding.
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Focus on Trust in God: The Psalm overall conveys a message of bitachon (trust in God), a key tenet in Jewish faith. This trust is not blind but stems from the recognition of God's past deeds and His covenant with Israel.
Interpretive Insights from Jewish Commentaries
- Rashi (11th-century commentator): Interprets the love mentioned in the verse as an acknowledgment of God’s greatness and an active effort to draw close to Him through mitzvot (commandments).
- Radak (David Kimhi, 12th-century commentator): Emphasizes that calling upon God and receiving an answer is part of the reciprocal relationship fostered through trust and devotion.
- Midrash Tehillim: Relates this Psalm to stories of Biblical figures (e.g., Abraham, Moses, David) who experienced God’s protection and deliverance due to their unwavering faith and love for God.
Takeaways in Jewish Thought
- Covenant and Reciprocity: God's protection is not arbitrary but rooted in the mutual relationship between Him and His people.
- Human Responsibility: While God promises deliverance, individuals are expected to actively cultivate a relationship with God through love, prayer, and ethical behavior.
- Trust Amid Trials: The promise of divine presence during hardships reassures believers that suffering is not a sign of abandonment but an opportunity for deeper connection with God.
In summary, from a Jewish perspective, these verses are a poetic affirmation of the unbreakable bond between God and those who love Him, highlighting His responsiveness to prayer, His presence in difficult times, and His ultimate role as protector and redeemer.
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