In fact, it teaches us that it's really not fitting to sing your own praises… unless someone else steps up to vouch for you. But then, who vouches for God?
That's the question posed in Midrash Tehillim, a collection of interpretations on the Book of Psalms. Specifically, here, we're looking at Psalm 118. So, who does testify to God's goodness?
Well, think about Jacob. He says, "The kindness you have shown me is not for a day or a year, but for eternity." He even says, as we find in Genesis 32:11, "I am unworthy of all the kindness and faithfulness you have shown your servant." Now that's humility! The Rabbis ask: Just how many kindnesses has God done for you, Jacob? His answer? "They have no measure," pointing to Genesis 48:15 where he says, "God has shepherded me."
But the Midrash doesn't stop there. It has Israel itself speak up, reflecting on the Exodus story. "What did I do to them in Egypt? And what did I pay them in the desert?" Remember God's constant protection? As Exodus 13:21 reminds us, "And the Lord goes before them by day."
And what about at Sinai? Midrash Tehillim continues: "And what did they do to me at Sinai?" The people answered, as recorded in Exodus 24:7, "All that the Lord has spoken, we will do and obey." It was at that very moment, the midrash suggests, that God proclaimed, "I remember the kindness of your youth," as we find in Jeremiah 2:2.
It's a powerful moment. It highlights the reciprocal relationship between God and the Jewish people.
Then Midrash Tehillim takes another turn, urging, "Let the house of Aaron say, 'God is good, for His kindness is eternal.'" This is compared to a generous homeowner who treats his workers well, providing the best wine at threshing time, without nitpicking their work. They might not even realize all that's going on behind the scenes to make it happen!
The Midrash asks: Who really knows a master's servants and palace attendants? Well, in this case, it's the sons of Aaron, the kohanim, the priests, who offer sacrifices to God at all times. They are the ones constantly in service, constantly aware of the divine presence.
So, what does it all mean? It seems Midrash Tehillim is teaching us that recognizing God's goodness isn't just about reciting a formula. It's about looking back at our history, at our relationship with the Divine, and seeing the countless ways in which we've been cared for. It's about recognizing the dedication of those who serve, and appreciating the unseen efforts that sustain us. And maybe, just maybe, it's also about striving to be that "generous homeowner" in our own lives, extending kindness without expecting constant praise.