But that's exactly the kind of potent imagery we find swirling through the ancient Jewish texts. Today, we’re diving into Midrash Tehillim 9, a section of commentary on the Book of Psalms, and trust me, it gets deep.

The passage begins with a rather curious reference to King Solomon and a line from the Song of Songs (8:4): "I adjure you, O daughters of Jerusalem, that you not stir up or awaken love until it pleases." It immediately launches into this feeling of being “sick with love,” a love that isn’t just physical, but something far more profound. "For I am love-sick" (Hosea 2:7), the text quotes.

But it doesn’t stop there. This love is connected to death itself: "For love is strong as death," as Song of Songs 8:6 tells us. It’s a powerful juxtaposition, isn't it? What does it mean for love to be as strong as death?

The Midrash then takes a fascinating turn, bringing in the image of fragrance and devotion: "Your oils have a pleasing fragrance, your name is like purified oil; therefore the maidens love you" (Song of Songs 1:3). It uses this to segue into a discussion about the unique relationship between God and the Jewish people. It poses the question: what nation was told to "descend to the sea?" The answer, of course, is the Jews. And it connects that act of faith to the idea of unwavering loyalty, even when faced with abandonment. “When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up" (Psalms 27:10), David declares. What does it truly mean to have faith when everything around you seems to be crumbling?

Then comes the story of Nebuchadnezzar, the Babylonian king, and his fiery furnace. Remember him? He challenges the Jewish people, demanding they worship his idols. "And who is the god that will deliver you out of my hands?" he sneers (Daniel 3:15). The response of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego is iconic: "We will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up" (Daniel 3:16).

The Midrash makes a sharp comparison here: to deny God, Nebuchadnezzar is no better than a dog, or even a frog! Both are equated in their denial of God's power, linking them to the plague of frogs in Egypt (Exodus 8:3). It's a stark and somewhat humorous analogy, isn't it?

The passage emphasizes that even if God doesn't save them, they will not abandon Him. They are willing to sacrifice everything rather than betray their faith. And in the end, of course, God does save them. Nebuchadnezzar himself is forced to acknowledge God's power: "Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who has sent His angel and delivered His servants who trusted in Him" (Daniel 3:28). It's a powerful testament to the strength of faith.

The Midrash stresses that they didn't give themselves up in order to be saved. Their willingness to be burned is what demonstrated their complete devotion.

And finally, we come full circle: “Why 'For love is strong as death' (Song of Songs 8:6)? A song to be sung over the death of Levan.” It’s a bit cryptic, isn’t it? Levan's death is not discussed in this Midrash, but the implication is clear: the love and loyalty displayed by the Jewish people, even in the face of death, is a song worthy of being sung. It echoes the unwavering commitment to something greater than oneself.

So, what do we take away from all of this? Perhaps it's the realization that true love, true faith, isn't just a feeling. It's a commitment, a willingness to stand firm even when the flames are rising. It’s a recognition that sometimes, the greatest act of love is the willingness to sacrifice everything.