"Let not the oppressed turn back in shame, let the poor and destitute praise
Your name (Psalm 74:21)." The experience of the oppressed has
taught him to anticipate rejection, to retreat before being shamed.
The poor, the destitute and the oppressed are particularly vulnerable in
the face of their superiors, expecting dismissive treatment. The
psalmist, knowing of Hashem’s exceeding grandeur and graciousness, requests that
Hashem preserve the dignity of the oppressed. Since Hashem
determines who is oppressed and who is elevated, no shame attaches.
All of Hashem’s creations, poor and rich alike, praise His name.
It is in our common humanity that we serve Hashem best and honor Him
most.
6th of Tishrei, October 25, 2008
Assaf describes himself as a senseless individual: "and I was senseless and
knowing nothing, like a [mindless] beast was I with You; still, I was always
loyal to You, You grasped my right hand (Psalm 73:22-23)." Man
must know the limits of his own intellect; his cognitive ability is not the sole
arbiter of truth. No matter man’s capacity, his intellectual
gifts pale in comparison to G-D’s omniscience. Therefore, it is
man’s job to use his gifts and abilities in the service of G-D. In
the absence of that recognition, man comes to worship himself, viewing himself
as the ultimate decider and definer of truth. The believing,
thinking individual is perennially loyal to Hashem. In return, G-D
takes him by the hand and supports him on his journey through life.
Important Numbers
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