King David knew that feeling well.
Midrash Tehillim, our collection of interpretations on the Book of Psalms, opens up Psalm 119 and illuminates David’s struggles, particularly his sense of being young and despised. "I am young and despised," David laments. But hold on… wasn't David the seventh son of Jesse? If we look at 1 Chronicles 2:15, it says "David the seventh, but Eliab the eighth." So, what gives?
The Midrash offers a fascinating perspective: Eliab, though older, actually acted younger, making himself small. Perhaps he lacked confidence or deferred to David. So, in essence, even though David was chronologically younger than some, he still felt that sting of being underestimated.
And it wasn’t just his brothers. Saul, the king, wasn’t exactly David’s biggest fan at times. Remember when Saul promised his daughter Merab to David? According to 1 Samuel 18:19, she was ultimately given to someone else! Then there was Michal, another daughter of Saul's, who he eventually gave to David (1 Samuel 18:27). These actions, these near-promises and complicated arrangements, likely contributed to David’s feeling of being undervalued, manipulated even. Hence, the cry, "I am young and despised."
But the Psalm doesn't wallow. It transitions to something much more powerful: "Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness." What does David mean by that? The Midrash explains that David is talking about the kind of righteousness that involves giving without taking back. It's a gift that is truly and irrevocably given. Think about that for a moment. What could be more righteous?
This idea ties into the promise made to Judah, David's ancestor: "The scepter shall not depart from Judah" (Genesis 49:10). This promise of eternal leadership is connected to an everlasting righteousness, a kingdom built on a foundation of unwavering commitment.
The Psalm continues: "Distress and anguish have overtaken me." Ouch. It's raw, isn't it? This verse echoes the words of Moses in Deuteronomy 28:53, "In distress and anguish." Life is hard, that much is clear.
But here’s the beautiful twist: The Midrash suggests that troubles and good things, distress and comfort, are intertwined. They often come together. It’s a reminder that even in our darkest moments, the potential for light exists. Even when we feel overwhelmed by distress and anguish.
The Psalm concludes with a declaration: "Your testimonies are righteous forever." This isn't just a temporary merit, a fleeting reward. It's something eternal, a gift given to Israel that extends beyond years or even centuries. As Isaiah 59:21 promises, "My words… shall not depart from your mouth." And the reward for upholding these testimonies? Length of days.
So, what can we take away from this exploration of Psalm 119? Perhaps it’s a reminder that even when we feel young, despised, or overwhelmed by distress, there is an everlasting righteousness, a promise of eternal value, and the potential for comfort even in the midst of anguish. Maybe our own "length of days" is connected to embracing those eternal testimonies. Just a thought.