Isn't it funny how sometimes we just know something is valuable, but we can't quite put our finger on why? That’s kind of the question posed at the beginning of Midrash Tehillim 19, this beautiful exploration of Psalm 19:11: "More desirable than gold, or than greatly fine gold." The text starts by asking: Who are these truly desirable ones? Is it Israel, or the nations who follow stars and constellations?
It's a pretty big question, right? Who truly holds the key to what's valuable in this world?
The text suggests we turn to Solomon, the wisest of men, for guidance. And what does Solomon say? Quoting from Song of Songs 2:3, "In his shade I delighted and sat." This verse, on its surface, speaks of finding pleasure and comfort in the shade. But as the Midrash unfolds, it reveals a deeper meaning, connecting that shade to the wisdom and protection offered by the Torah.
Now, what's particularly fascinating is the interpretation of the next verse, Psalm 19:12: "In guarding them is much reward [eqev rav]." The Midrash plays with the words here, making a connection between eqev, meaning "end" or "result," and rav, meaning "great" or "rabbi."
So, one interpretation suggests that anyone who guards the Torah is made a rav – a rabbi, a teacher, a great one. It’s a powerful idea, that dedication to Torah elevates a person. But there's more.
Another interpretation takes it a step further: anyone who guards the Torah to its end – who perseveres in their learning and observance – becomes great. And not only that, but "we open doors for him."
Think about that for a moment. According to this reading, the reward isn't just knowledge or spiritual fulfillment, but also opportunity. Guarding the Torah, sticking with it, opens doors you might never have imagined. Doors to understanding, to connection, and to a deeper sense of purpose.
The Midrash then offers an alternative translation of the original verse: "The precious ones are of gold and abundant with gems." Again, the question is posed: Who are these precious ones? Are they Israel, or the nations of the world? Solomon's wisdom is once again invoked, quoting Song of Songs 2:3: "In his shade, I delighted and sat, and his fruit was sweet to my taste." The sweetness of the fruit, like the shade, becomes a metaphor for the rewards of Torah.
The idea that guarding the Torah leads to greatness ("na'aseh rav") is a common thread throughout Jewish literature, as noted in the Talmud, Tractate Shabbat 88b. It’s a reflection of the belief that engaging with Torah, with its wisdom and its commandments, elevates a person's spiritual stature.
So, what does it all mean? Perhaps it's a reminder that true value isn't always what glitters on the surface. It’s not just gold or gems. It's the hidden wisdom, the enduring commitment, and the sweet fruit that comes from dedicating ourselves to something greater than ourselves. And who knows? Maybe those doors will open for us too.