Five Heavenly Things Sleeping In The Universe

Midrash Tehillim 80:3

"Before Ephraim and Benjamin and Manasseh" (Psalms 80:3). Five things are asleep in the world. Might, as it is said, "Rouse Your might" (Psalms 80:3). The bow, as it is said (Habakkuk 3:9), "Your bow is laid utterly bare." The sword, as it is said (Zechariah 13:7), "O sword, awake against My shepherd." The arm, as it is said (Isaiah 51:9), "Awake, put on strength, O arm of the LORD." And zeal, as it is said (Isaiah 42:13), "Like a man of war He rouses zeal." Thus, "Before Ephraim and Benjamin and Manasseh, etc." "And come to save us" (Psalms 80:3). Rabbi Hilkiah said in the name of Rabbi Abbahu: "And come" is written in full spelling, indicating that all the salvation is Yours. "O God, restore us, and let Your face shine, that we may be saved" (Psalms 80:4). Rabbi said: We have nothing but the shining of Your face.

Themes

Original Sources