The ancient Jewish sages understood that feeling intimately. They saw it reflected in the verses of Psalms, and wove those verses into tales of hope and resilience. Today, let's delve into one such interpretation found in Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer, specifically chapter 19.
It starts with a cry, almost a lament, from the people of Israel: "For, lo, thine enemies, O Lord" (Ps. 92:9). Imagine the weight of oppression, the feeling of being constantly under the thumb of those who wish you harm. The text paints a vivid picture: Israel burdened, "afflicted with a heavy yoke on our backs." But even in this moment of despair, there's an unwavering faith. A defiant declaration: "We know that they are doomed to destruction!" As the verse continues, "O Lord, for, lo, thine enemies shall perish" (ibid.). It’s a bold statement of belief in ultimate justice, in the eventual triumph of good over evil.
And what happens to the wicked? They "shall be scattered like chaff before the wind." A powerful image of insignificance, of being utterly swept away. This isn't just about physical enemies, though. It includes all "idolaters, for they and their works are iniquity." Anything that stands in the way of truth and righteousness, anything built on falsehood, will ultimately crumble.
But the Psalm doesn't end there. It pivots to a message of hope, a vision of future strength. "But my horn hast thou exalted like that of the reêm" (Ps. 92:10). Now, what is this reêm? It's often translated as a wild ox or unicorn – a creature of immense power and untamable spirit. And the image of the "horn" being exalted is a symbol of strength and leadership.
Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer takes this metaphor and applies it to a specific figure: Menachem, son of 'Ammiel, son of Joseph. This is no ordinary individual. He’s described as having horns "taller than those of all kings." He will, in the future, "gore in the four corners of the heavens," meaning his influence and power will extend to the ends of the earth. Moses himself, according to this tradition, foresaw this moment, saying, "His firstling bullock, majesty is his, and his horns are the horns of the reêm: with them he shall gore the peoples all of them, even the ends of the earth" (Deut. 33:17). This Menachem is a figure of immense importance. Some understand him as none other than the Messiah.
But the path to redemption is never easy, is it? The text warns that "all the kings will rise up against him to slay him." We're reminded of the verse, "The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers (take counsel together)" (Ps. 2:2). This speaks to the intense opposition that Menachem – or the Messianic figure – will face.
And what of the people of Israel during this tumultuous time? They will experience "great trouble," the text tells us. A time of hardship and testing. Yet, even in their suffering, they will remain resilient, like "a green olive." An olive tree, even when seemingly battered, can still produce fresh oil. That’s why the verse continues, "I am anointed with fresh oil" (Ps. 92:10). Even in the darkest of times, there will be a source of sustenance, a spark of hope, and renewed strength.
So, what does this all mean for us today? Perhaps it's a reminder that even when we face seemingly insurmountable challenges, when the weight of the world feels crushing, we can still draw strength from our faith, from our traditions, and from the hope of a brighter future. The story of Menachem and the exalted horn of the reêm is a testament to the enduring power of hope, even in the face of adversity. And who knows, maybe we each carry a little bit of that reêm within us, waiting to be unleashed.