תהלים, פרק ס״ח, פסוק ל״ה

Psalms 68:35Sefaria

תְּנ֥וּ עֹ֗ז לֵאלֹ֫הִ֥ים עַֽל־יִשְׂרָאֵ֥ל גַּאֲוָת֑וֹ וְ֝עֻזּ֗וֹ בַּשְּׁחָקִֽים׃

Recognizing the absolute power of God requires looking at two parallel aspects of the world: His unique care for the people of Israel and His total control over all creation. Acknowledging this reality challenges humanity to identify the true source of power in the universe and attribute it solely to the Creator. Yet, this raises a profound question about human capability: how can a mortal person possibly give strength to God?

The primary approach among commentators is that this act of giving strength is accomplished through speech and gratitude. Humanity is called to praise God and declare that all power belongs to Him alone, recognizing that human victories and achievements are never the result of personal might [רד״ק, אבן עזרא, מצודת דוד, מצודת ציון, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. This awareness demands that people stop assigning power or control to other forces in creation, such as stars, constellations, or angels [מאירי]. This call even extends to the nations of the world. They must recognize that any power they have been given to oppress Israel does not come from their own strength or their deities, but directly from God, who uses them to cleanse the sins of His people [אלשיך]. In contrast to the idea of speech, another approach suggests that giving strength is a practical action. By performing good deeds, the Israelites essentially empower God to lead them with miraculous care that defies the laws of nature [מלבי״ם].

God's greatness is most clearly seen through the people of Israel, His treasured nation [אבן עזרא, ביאור שטיינזלץ, מצודת דוד]. His profound pride in them is demonstrated when He steps in to fight their battles [רד״ק]. This special relationship also highlights His willingness to elevate Himself above the fixed laws of nature. He bypasses the natural order to perform wonders specifically for His people, offering them a unique type of guidance that is reserved for them alone [מלבי״ם].

The vast heavens serve as another testament to God's immense power, presenting different aspects of His might. His control over the natural world is obvious when observing the skies and the precise, unchanging movements of the stars and constellations [מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Just as His power is visible in the heavens, His greatness is visible upon Israel [רד״ק]. The skies are also understood as the spiritual source from which strength flows down to the Israelites [אבן עזרא]. Taking this a step further, the heavens can be seen as a supreme spiritual layer existing far above the physical star system, serving as the origin point for God's miraculous, supernatural intervention [מלבי״ם]. Finally, a unique perspective suggests that God's power in the heavens is actually a display of profound restraint. His ultimate strength is shown through His ability to hold back His anger and exercise immense patience. He demonstrates this by withdrawing to the heavens and remaining silent, even when enemies cause damage to His sanctuary [אלשיך].

נעזרתם בפירוש שלנו ומצאתם בו ערך?

עזרו לנו להגדיל תורה ולהאדירה. תחזוקת האתר והשבחת התוכן כרוכות בהוצאות מרובות. תרומה קטנה שלכם תסייע לנו להחזיק את הפלטפורמה ותהפוך אתכם לשותפים מלאים בהנגשת חוכמת המקרא.

תרמו עכשיו

מה דעתכם על הפירוש?

התחברתם? יש לכם חידוש או הארה על הפסוק שלמדתם כאן? נשמח לשמוע!

ההערות שלכם חשובות לנו ועוזרות לשפר את הפירוש.