We often think of praise as something reserved for humans, something we consciously offer up. But what if everything around us, every living thing, is constantly singing God's praises?
Jewish tradition certainly suggests so. According to the Legends of the Jews, every plant has its own unique song. The fruitful tree bursts forth with the words, "Then shall all the trees of the wood sing for joy, before the Lord, for He cometh; for He cometh to judge the earth" (Psalm 96:12-13). The fields of grain, heavy with bounty, sing, "The pastures are covered with flocks; the valleys also are covered over with corn; they shout for joy, they also sing" (Psalm 65:13).
And what about the birds? They're practically synonymous with song, aren't they? And within that chorus, one voice stands out: the cock. Now, you might be thinking, "A rooster? Really?" But consider this: in Jewish lore, the rooster plays a vital role in awakening the world to prayer.
According to the Legends of the Jews, when God visits the righteous in Paradise at midnight, all the trees there erupt in adoration. Their songs, in turn, awaken the rooster, who then begins his own series of praises to God. Imagine that—a celestial symphony triggering the dawn's first call to prayer!
This isn't just any crowing, either. The rooster's song is actually a series of seven verses, each a powerful reminder of faith and purpose.
The first two verses are a call to open the gates for God: "Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors, and the King of glory shall come in. Who is the King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle." And then repeated, "Lift up your heads, O ye gates; yea, lift them up, ye everlasting doors, and the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, He is the King of glory" (Psalm 24:7-10). A powerful image of welcoming the Divine into our lives.
The third verse urges the righteous to engage with Torah: "Arise, ye righteous, and occupy yourselves with the Torah, that your reward may be abundant in the world hereafter." It's a reminder that learning and engaging with our tradition bring blessings in this world and the next.
Then comes a verse of hope: "I have waited for Thy salvation, O Lord!" (Genesis 49:18). A cry of longing and trust in God's promise.
The next two verses serve as a wake-up call, literally and figuratively: "How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? When wilt thou arise out of thy sleep?" (Proverbs 6:9). Followed by, "Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; open thine eyes, and thou shalt be satisfied with bread" (Proverbs 20:13). A reminder not to waste our time, and to seize the opportunities each day brings.
Finally, the seventh verse is a call to action: "It is time to work for the Lord, for they have made void Thy law" (Psalm 119:126). A stirring reminder that when divine law is neglected, it's our duty to actively work to restore it.
So, the next time you hear a rooster crow, remember this ancient legend. It's more than just a farmyard sound; it's a powerful call to awaken our spirits, engage with our faith, and actively work to bring more holiness into the world. It's a reminder that even the simplest creatures can sing praises to the Divine, and that we, too, can find our own song of praise in the everyday. What will your song be today?