The ancient wisdom of Midrash Tehillim, a collection of interpretations on the Book of Psalms, offers a powerful perspective on navigating those struggles, especially Psalm 119. "Turn to me and be gracious to me," says the Psalmist (Psalm 119:132). What's that about? Well, the Midrash connects this plea directly to Leviticus 26:9, where God promises, "I will turn to you and make you fruitful." It's a beautiful cycle of divine attention and reciprocal blessing. Like a dance, really. We turn to God, and God, in turn, graces us with abundance.
Next, the Psalmist cries out, "Establish my footsteps in Your word" (Psalm 119:133). Here, David is speaking directly to the challenge of staying on the right path. He’s not just asking for guidance, but for the strength to stay guided. The Midrash illuminates this, suggesting David is asking that his feet not slip into sinful places. Instead, he desires to be immersed in Torah study in the Beit Midrash – the house of study – all day long. Why? Because, the Midrash explains, the yetzer hara, the evil inclination, has no power over someone engaged in Torah study.
Think of it this way: the yetzer hara is like a prowling lion, always looking for an opening. "Sin crouches at the door," as we find in Genesis 4:7. But when we're engrossed in learning and connecting with the Divine, that door is guarded. The yetzer hara can't get in. It's a powerful image, isn't it? Torah study as a shield, a fortress against temptation.
Then comes the plea, "Redeem me from oppression of man" (Psalm 119:134). David isn't just talking about physical oppression. He's talking about something deeper: servitude to anyone or anything other than God. The Midrash beautifully illustrates this with the image of a king's implement. Only the king can use it, not his deputy. We belong to God. We are subservient to God. Therefore, David asks, redeem us from those who would seek to control us, and we will devote ourselves to your Torah.
"Make Your face shine upon Your servant" (Psalm 119:135). This isn't just about physical appearance, is it? David is yearning for divine favor, for God's loving gaze. As Moses proclaimed in the priestly blessing (Numbers 6:25), "May God's face shine upon you and be gracious to you." It’s a request for divine acceptance, for a countenance of love rather than anger.
Finally, a lament: "Streams of water flow from my eyes" (Psalm 119:136). This isn't just personal sorrow. It's grief for those who have strayed from the Torah's path, like Doeg and Ahitophel. The Midrash connects this to Jeremiah's weeping (Lamentations 3:48) and Rachel's legendary mourning (Jeremiah 31:14). But Rachel didn't weep for her own children; she wept for Israel’s failure to observe the Torah. God Himself calls for the mourning women to wail for the nullification of Torah, as we read in Jeremiah 9:16. It's a powerful reminder that our actions have consequences, not just for ourselves, but for the entire community. Our choices ripple outwards.
So, what do we take away from this deep dive into Midrash Tehillim? It's a call to be mindful, to choose connection over temptation, to strive for a life guided by Torah. And even when we stumble, it reminds us that we can always turn back, seeking God's grace and redemption.