We've all been there. But what if I told you that neglecting Torah study could actually be… well, a missed opportunity of cosmic proportions?
Midrash Tehillim, a collection of homiletic interpretations on the Book of Psalms, tackles this very issue in its commentary on Psalm 119. It's a powerful passage urging us to prioritize learning, even when it feels impossible.
The Midrash begins by addressing that familiar excuse: "I didn't know!" It counters with a firm, yet gentle, reminder. The scroll is right there! The wisdom is accessible. As Isaiah 29:12 puts it, when we hand the book to someone unlearned and ask them to read, they simply reply, "I am not learned." That feeling of inadequacy can be a real barrier, can't it? But David, in Psalm 119:125, cries out, "I am your servant; give me understanding!" He acknowledges his need for divine guidance.
Then comes the truly provocative part. "Now is the time to do for God; violate your Torah!" Wait, what? Violate the Torah? It sounds like a contradiction, but the Midrash isn't advocating for lawlessness. Instead, it's urging us to prioritize Torah study, even if it means temporarily setting aside other commandments. It's a radical idea, emphasizing the profound importance of engaging with the divine word. The urgency is palpable: "If you see a generation that abandons the Torah and lets go of it, immediately it will be forgotten." The stakes are high! Have you ever put off something important, telling yourself you'll get to it "when you have time?" The Midrash challenges this procrastination. Every moment, it urges, strive to learn. Don’t wait for the perfect moment, because it might never arrive.
David then declares, "I love Your Torah more than all gold and precious stones!" Why this extreme devotion? Because, as the Midrash points out, earthly riches are fleeting. Ezekiel 7:19 reminds us that on the day of judgment, silver will be thrown into the streets and gold will become abhorrent. They simply cannot save us. Proverbs 11:4 echoes this sentiment: "Wealth does not profit on the day of wrath."
But the Torah? That’s a different story. Even if judgment leads to death, the Torah you've studied will revive your soul! "The Torah of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul," it says. It's a promise of enduring value, a lifeline that transcends earthly limitations.
The Midrash then delves into the meaning of David's words, "Therefore, I have observed all Your precepts." The Hebrew word "yesharim," meaning "upright," plays a crucial role. When someone asks for enlightenment in Hebrew, they say "ha'er li." So, David isn’t just saying he’s kept the commandments. He’s also saying he has enlightened them for his children, and that he needs God to enlighten him as well. It's a beautiful image of intergenerational learning and a constant seeking of deeper understanding.
And finally, the Midrash concludes with a powerful affirmation: "For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light do we see light." It’s a reminder that Torah study isn't just an intellectual exercise. It’s a connection to the very source of life, a pathway to seeing the world with greater clarity and wisdom.
So, the next time you're tempted to put off learning, remember the words of Midrash Tehillim. Don't wait for the perfect moment. Dive in, even if it means "violating your Torah" in a small way. The rewards, both in this world and the next, are immeasurable. What small step will you take today to connect with that fountain of life?