We often imagine angels, perhaps, or swirling clouds of glory. But the Midrash Tehillim, a collection of rabbinic teachings on the Book of Psalms, offers a rather unexpected answer. And it all revolves around… pride.
Yes, you read that right. Pride.
Rabbi Berachiah, quoting Rabbi Avin, paints a fascinating picture. He identifies four creatures renowned for their pride: the lion among animals, the ox among cattle, the eagle among birds, and finally, humanity, who, as Genesis tells us, has dominion over all living things (Genesis 1:26).
Now, you might think God would distance Himself from pride. After all, isn't humility considered a virtue? But here’s the twist. The Midrash suggests something quite different.
What did God do? According to the Midrash Tehillim, He placed these proud creatures under His throne of glory. The text even references Ezekiel 1:10, “And the likeness of their faces was the face of a man,” connecting these earthly beings to the divine realm.
Why would God do this? Rabbi Avin's explanation is striking: "Since they are proud, I will take pride in them," as it says, "For he is highly exalted" (Psalm 97:9).
It's a paradox, isn't it? God, the epitome of humility, seemingly embracing pride. But perhaps it’s not about condoning arrogance. Maybe it’s about acknowledging the inherent majesty and power within these creatures, a reflection of God's own greatness. Kavod, glory, is reflected in the natural world.
Think about it. The lion's roar, the ox's strength, the eagle's soaring flight, and humanity's capacity for creation – these are all powerful attributes. And in a way, they mirror aspects of the Divine. By placing these creatures under His throne, God isn't just tolerating their pride; He's harnessing their power, acknowledging their inherent value, and integrating them into the cosmic order.
The Midrash concludes with a powerful statement: "Thus, His kingdom rules over all." This isn't just about dominion. It's about integration, about acknowledging the diverse elements that make up creation and recognizing their place within God's grand design. It's about the malchut, the kingdom, being a tapestry woven from the strong threads of even seemingly contradictory qualities.
So, the next time you picture God on His throne, don't just imagine serene angels. Remember the lion, the ox, the eagle, and humanity – all symbols of strength and potential, held within the embrace of the Divine. It might just change the way you see both pride and humility, and how they play their part in God's creation.