We will begin the third decade of the Motzei Shabbos Tanach Shiur, sponsored by Mr. and Mrs. Mordy Kriger, on Motzei Shabbos Parshas Lech Lecha, November 12th, 2016. We will begin the study of the Sefer of Tehillim, Perek 1. This series is an opportunity to strengthen ourselves and our prayers and maximize the benefits and results. To enhance this process, Priority-1, which has coordinated this program since its inception, is making these insights on the Sefer Tehillim and many concepts of Bitachon, a basic aspect of Dovid Hamelech’s Tehillim, available online.
The following is a brief introduction to a few Perakim, which are recited daily by many people:
פרק כ – This Perek is a Tefillah of Dovid Hamelech asking Hashem to protect those going out to war. After the first five Pesukim, he begins to refer to what will be the attitude when in fact they are victorious; and then concludes with expressions of Bitachon. It seems that a significant part of prayer is to indicate at the outset that when we will in fact be victorious, we will make sure to praise Hashem and clearly attribute our victory to Him. The Perek concludes with a statement of Bitachon, indicating that a Tefillah needs a commitment to recognize, even after He helps us, that all help comes from Hashem. This realization helps to concretize our Bitachon.
פרק פ”ג – Although originally referring to certain past battles in Jewish history, this Perek has an uncanny resemblance to the situation that faces us today in Eretz Yisrael. Many nations unite together for the sole purpose of destroying us, that we should no longer exist and our name never be remembered. They want to inherit Eretz Yisrael for themselves. We ask Hashem to blow them away and their faces be full with embarrassment and that they come to recognize Hashem’s mastery over everything.
פרק קכ”א – This Perek reminds us that there is no place to turn to except to Hashem. He will not let us falter, is always actively there for us and will guard and protect us now and forever more.
פרק ק”ל – This Perek compares our Galus to the depths of water from which we call out to Hashem. We beg Hashem for help and that if He looks to our misdeeds, who would be able to withstand the scrutiny? If not for our realization of the mercy He has on us, and His constant forgiveness, we would be overwhelmed in our attempt to fear Him. The Perek concludes with statements to strengthen our Bitachon.
פרק קמ”ב – This Perek is a prayer recited by Dovid Hamelech as he was being pursued by Shaul. He hides in a cave and begs Hashem for help and protection. He expresses that his crying to Hashem and his placing his trust in Him, emanates from his extreme state of lonely desperation. He asks Hashem to save him so that he will praise Hashem and the righteous will recognize that it is in the merit of his Bitachon in Hashem that he was saved.
REACHING THE NEXT GENERATION
