Jewish tradition has a word of caution for that feeling – a reminder that true power, true exaltation, doesn't come from where we expect.
Midrash Tehillim, a collection of interpretations on the Book of Psalms, dives deep into Psalm 75, specifically the lines: "Do not lift up your horns on high; speak not with a stiff neck. For not from the east or from the west and not from the wilderness comes exaltation." What does it really mean?
The Midrash offers a fascinating glimpse into the story of Belshazzar, the Babylonian king. Remember the tale from the Book of Daniel? Belshazzar throws a lavish party, desecrating the sacred vessels from the Temple in Jerusalem. Suddenly, a mysterious hand appears and writes on the wall. Terrified, Belshazzar summons all the wise men of his kingdom, but none can decipher the cryptic message.
It's at this moment, the Midrash tells us, that Belshazzar understood something profound. He realized that his impending doom wasn't the result of a rebellion brewing within his kingdom, but rather a decree from God. "God brings low and he raises up" (1 Samuel 2:7). Belshazzar's arrogance, his "lifting up his horns on high," blinded him to the true source of power. His downfall was a direct consequence of his hubris.
But the Midrash doesn't stop there. It offers another, equally compelling interpretation, connecting this idea of humbling and exalting to the story of the Golden Calf. Remember that episode? Moses ascends Mount Sinai to receive the Torah, and the Israelites, impatient and fearful, build a golden idol to worship. A colossal mistake.
The Midrash highlights the people's dismissive words about Moses: "This fellow Moses, we don't know what's become of him" (Exodus 32:1). They humbled Moses in their hearts, rejecting his leadership. But then, when God declared, "Whoever has sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book" (Exodus 32:33), the Levites stepped forward, taking decisive action against the transgressors. This act of devotion, of choosing God over the idol, led to their exaltation. They were elevated in status and granted special roles within the community.
So, what's the takeaway? The Midrash is teaching us that true exaltation doesn't come from worldly power, arrogance, or even popular opinion. It comes from recognizing a higher power, from humility, and from unwavering commitment to what’s right, even when it’s difficult. It’s a profound reminder that the forces that shape our lives often come from unexpected directions, humbling us and exalting us in ways we might never anticipate. What does it mean for us, today? Perhaps it’s a call to examine where we place our trust, and where we seek our validation.