Midrash Tehillim, a collection of rabbinic teachings on the Book of Psalms, offers a fascinating perspective. It tells us, "The secret of the Lord is with those who fear Him."

But what does that really mean? It doesn’t say, “the secret of the Lord is with the smartest," or "the richest," but with those who have yirat Hashem—fear of God, or perhaps better understood as awe and reverence. According to the Midrash, God initially reveals secrets to those who fear Him, and afterwards, to the righteous. It even quotes Proverbs 3:32, stating, "The secret of the Lord is with the upright."

Rabbi Simon takes this a step further, adding a cosmic dimension. He says, "There are no secrets for the upper ones, but there are secrets for the lower ones." Think about that for a moment. Could it be that those closest to the Divine, the angels perhaps, don't need secrets? Maybe they simply know. While we, down here in the "lower" realms, are constantly seeking, striving, and needing those moments of revealed truth.

The Midrash then illustrates this idea with a story, a powerful little parable. It tells of Rabbi Yosi ben Durmaskis, who journeys to Lod to visit Rabbi Eliezer. Eager for wisdom, Rabbi Yosi asks, "What new thing was taught in the study hall today?"

Rabbi Eliezer replies with a seemingly obscure legal point: "They counted and concluded that Ammon and Moab tithe the tithe of the poor in the Sabbatical year." Now, this might sound like ancient agricultural policy, but it's actually about understanding the nuances of Jewish law, specifically concerning the shmita year, the Sabbatical year, when fields lie fallow. And within that, the specific rules of how even the poorest amongst the poor are provided for.

Rabbi Yosi's response is intriguing. He says to Rabbi Eliezer, "Your hands are extended, and your eyes are open." This cryptic statement seems to imply that Rabbi Eliezer is somehow profiting from this knowledge, perhaps using it for personal gain.

The story takes a dramatic turn. Rabbi Eliezer, in turn, extends his hands… and receives his eyesight! He had been blind! Then, overcome with emotion, Rabbi Eliezer weeps and exclaims, "The secret of the Lord is with those who fear Him."

He then reveals the true source of this knowledge: "Go out and tell them not to be confident in their counting, for this is the tradition I received from Rabbi Yochanan ben Zakkai, who heard it from his teacher, and his teacher heard it from Moses at Sinai: Ammon and Moab tithe the tithe of the poor in the Sabbatical year." Talk about a chain of transmission! From Moses himself!

Once Rabbi Yosi's vision is restored, he goes back to the community and shares this vital tradition.

So what's the takeaway here? It's not just about the specific law concerning Ammon and Moab. It’s about the nature of revelation itself. It's about humility. Rabbi Eliezer, regaining his sight, emphasizes the importance of fearing God and acknowledging the chain of tradition. Knowledge isn't something to be hoarded or used for personal gain, but a sacred trust to be passed down with reverence.

The story also highlights the importance of trustworthy transmission. This wasn't just some random calculation; it was a teaching that traced all the way back to Moses at Sinai! This emphasizes the weight and responsibility that comes with interpreting and sharing Jewish law.

Ultimately, Midrash Tehillim reminds us that the deepest truths aren't reserved for the intellectual elite. They're available to those who approach the world with humility, awe, and a genuine desire to understand the Divine will. Are we ready to listen? Are we ready to receive those secrets?