It’s a question that's echoed through generations, and today we're diving into a fascinating passage from Midrash Tehillim, a collection of rabbinic interpretations of the Book of Psalms, to explore this very idea. Specifically, we're looking at Midrash Tehillim 147.
The passage begins by invoking the familiar call: "Hallelujah, sing praises to our God, for He is good." But it quickly moves beyond simple praise. It wants to know: what actions truly exalt God? The answer, surprisingly, lies with us, with the people of Israel.
The Midrash then quotes Isaiah: "How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace" (Isaiah 52:7). This verse, often associated with the coming of the Mashiach (Messiah), suggests that spreading peace and good tidings is a beautiful thing, a way of honoring God. But is that all?
Even the angels, the celestial beings closest to God, are called upon to praise Him: "Praise Him, all his angels; praise Him, all His heavenly hosts" (Psalm 148:2). If even the angels are in awe, what chance do we mortals have?
Here's where it gets interesting. The Midrash asks: "When is God exalted?" And the answer? "When the horn of Israel is lifted up." This is based on the verse, "I will cut off all the horns of the wicked, but the horns of the righteous will be lifted up" (Psalm 75:11). The horn, in this context, is a symbol of strength, pride, and dignity. So, when the Jewish people are strong and uphold their values, God is exalted. That’s powerful!
The text then ties this idea back to Psalm 148:14: "And He exalted the horn of His people." But why a horn? Why compare Israel to a horn? The Midrash explains that just as a horn is placed at the top of the head, so too is Israel appointed as the head over all nations. This echoes Deuteronomy 28:13: "The Lord will make you the head, not the tail." It's a bold statement about leadership and influence. The Jewish people are meant to be a guiding light, a moral compass for the world.
But it's not just about power or status. It's about closeness to God. The Midrash asks, "Who are His close people?" And the answer is beautiful: "The people who draw near to Him through the commandments, the people who are closer to God than any other nation." These are the people who actively strive to live a life of meaning and purpose, guided by the mitzvot (commandments).
This idea of closeness is further emphasized by quoting Psalm 73:28: "But as for me, it is good to be near God." It’s a deeply personal statement, a yearning for connection with the Divine. It's not about blind obedience, but about a conscious choice to draw closer to God through our actions and intentions.
So, what does it all mean? Midrash Tehillim 147 offers a powerful message of hope and responsibility. It suggests that we, the Jewish people, have the capacity to exalt God through our strength, our commitment to mitzvot, and our dedication to being a light unto the nations. It’s a tall order, no doubt. But it's also a source of immense pride and inspiration. The final words of the Midrash drive it home: "His close people." We are called to be close to God, to draw near through our actions, and in doing so, to lift up the horn of Israel and bring joy to the Divine.
What does it mean to you to be close to God? How can we, in our daily lives, live up to this ideal and help exalt the horn of His people? It's a question worth pondering.