It seems that even the ancient Israelites weren't immune to this! to a fascinating passage from Shir HaShirim Rabbah, a collection of rabbinic interpretations on the Song of Songs. Here, we find a discussion about how the Israelites’ requests of God were… well, a little misguided.

Rabbi Aivu tells us that there were two specific requests where the people of Israel missed the mark, prompting the prophets to step in and offer a correction.

First, the people said, "He will come to us like the rain" (Hosea 6:3). Seems innocent enough. But the prophets weren't so sure. They responded, essentially, "Are you sure about that? Rain, while life-giving, can also be a huge pain!" : rain disrupts travel, damages property, and can generally make life difficult for many. Wayfarers, seafarers, roof repairers, wine stompers – according to the prophets, they all suffer from the rain! The prophets then corrected the request, suggesting a gentler image: “I will be like dew for Israel” (Hosea 14:6). Ah, dew. Refreshing, gentle, and far less disruptive.

The second request was even more interesting. The Israelites asked, "Place me as a seal upon Your heart, as a seal upon Your arm." (Referencing Song of Songs 8:6, of course!). Again, a beautiful sentiment! But the prophets weren't convinced. Why? Because, as they pointed out, the heart is sometimes covered, hidden from view, and an arm can be covered by clothing. A seal in these places isn’t always visible. So, what would be a better way to express this desire for closeness and constant remembrance? The prophets suggested: “You will be a crown of splendor in the hand of the Lord” (Isaiah 62:3).

But the story doesn't end there! Rabbi Simon ben Kuzit, in the name of Rabbi Levi, takes it a step further. He suggests that even the prophets' correction wasn't quite perfect. Why? Because earthly crowns, worn by mortal kings, are temporary. They can fall off, be removed, or simply lose their luster over time.

So, what’s the right way to ask for this enduring connection?

According to Rabbi Simon ben Kuzit, God Himself offers the ultimate image: “Behold I have engraved you upon My palms, your walls are always before Me” (Isaiah 49:16). This, He says, is the perfect metaphor, because as it is impossible for a person to forget their own palms, so too, “even these may forget, but I will not forget you” (Isaiah 49:15). God's promise is of a permanent, unshakeable bond, something far more profound than a temporary seal or even a king's crown.

What's so powerful about this passage is the reminder that even our most heartfelt desires sometimes need refinement. We might think we know what we want, but true wisdom lies in understanding the deeper implications and striving for a connection that transcends the superficial. It's a humbling thought, isn't it? It challenges us to examine our own prayers and requests, asking ourselves if we’re truly seeking lasting meaning or just a fleeting moment of comfort.