Why? Because, as Midrash Tehillim (a collection of rabbinic interpretations of the Book of Psalms) tells us, "Great are the works of the Lord; they are studied by all who delight in them." for a second. The very act of diving deep, of exploring the intricacies of creation, is itself a form of praise. It’s a way of acknowledging the sheer magnificence of the Divine.
But the Midrash doesn’t stop there. It builds a beautiful chain of thought. It asks, what does it mean to be "great"? The verse continues, "He is great and worthy of praise.” And then it quotes Psalm 145:3: "Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; And His greatness is unsearchable."
So, God is great, undeniably. But here’s the twist: the Midrash suggests that those who praise Him also become great! It points to Psalm 126:2: "Then they said among the nations, 'The Lord has done great things for them.'" The nations recognize the greatness in the Israelites because of what God has done for them, and also because of their devotion.
It’s a fascinating idea, isn't it? That our actions, our praise, our dedication can actually elevate us. It’s not about arrogance or self-aggrandizement, but about reflecting the Divine light.
And what’s the reward for those who actively do God’s work? What’s the payoff for all that effort and dedication?
The Midrash answers with a radiant image: "He clothes them with splendor and majesty." It directly quotes Psalm 111:3: "Splendid and majestic is His work, and His righteousness endures forever." It also draws on Psalm 102:16: "For the Lord has built up Zion; He has appeared in His glory."
Think of it: God doesn’t just pat you on the head and say "good job." Instead, He envelops you in glory, in majesty. It’s as if the very act of doing good, of aligning ourselves with the Divine will, transforms us, making us shine from within. We become reflections of that original, unsearchable greatness.
It makes you wonder, doesn’t it? What "works of the Lord" are calling to you? What area of study, of dedication, might lead you to that sense of splendor and majesty? It may not be easy, but the reward, the true reward, is a profound and lasting connection to something far greater than ourselves.