We find this struggle echoed in Jewish tradition, this tension between our cries and the perceived silence of God.

Midrash Tehillim, a collection of interpretations on the Book of Psalms, grapples with this very idea in its commentary on Psalm 83. It opens with the verse "A Song, a Psalm of Asaph. God, mighty are Your deeds; do not remain silent!" But what does it mean for God to be silent? And, more importantly, what can we do about it?

The Midrash begins by quoting Ecclesiastes, reminding us that "He who keeps a commandment experiences no evil thing," and "For the word of a king is powerful." In a fascinating twist, the righteous are depicted as having a surprising influence over God! They can command Him, in a way. They say to Him, "Arise," and He rises, mirroring the verse from Numbers 10:35, "Arise, O Lord." They say, "Do not sleep," and He awakens, just as Psalm 44:24 implores, "Rouse Yourself! Why do You sleep, O Lord?" This idea of God awakening is also found in Psalm 78:65, "Then the Lord awakened as one out of sleep."

It's a powerful, almost audacious concept, isn't it? The idea that we, mere mortals, can rouse the Divine from slumber, or even influence His actions through our prayers and deeds.

But what about when God seems to be silent? The Midrash continues, "They say to Him, 'Be like one who is silent,' and He listens." This echoes Isaiah 42:23, "Who among you will listen to this? Will listen and heed in the time to come?" Silence, in this context, isn't absence. It's a different kind of listening. A deeper kind of attention.

The text goes on to quote Isaiah again, "Upon your walls, O Jerusalem, I have appointed watchmen…Do not give Him rest until He establishes Jerusalem." (Isaiah 62:6-7). We, in a way, are those watchmen. Our prayers, our actions, our very existence is a constant reminder, a persistent plea, for justice and redemption.

And here's where the tension really comes to a head. "O God, mighty are Your deeds; do not remain silent! You are still and we are still," the Midrash cries, referencing Lamentations 2:10: "They sit on the ground, the elders of the daughter of Zion are silent." We are silenced by suffering, by oppression, by the seeming indifference of the world. "We have been silenced," the text laments. But then, a glimmer of hope. "The Lord will do battle for you" (Exodus 14:14).

Therefore, the Midrash concludes, "Do not be silent, and do not be still until You see salvation for Your children." We must not succumb to despair. We must continue to raise our voices, even when it feels like no one is listening. "For behold, Your enemies stir, and those who hate You raise their heads," (Psalm 83:3) and "Woe to the uproarious multitude of many peoples, who make a noise like the noise of the sea," (Isaiah 17:12).

So, what does this all mean for us today? Perhaps it's a reminder that our voices matter. That even in the face of overwhelming silence, our prayers, our actions, our unwavering faith can make a difference. That even when God seems distant, He is listening. And that, ultimately, we are partners in the ongoing work of bringing redemption to the world.