| Home |Breishith |Shmot |Vayikra |BaMidbar |Dvarim |Holidays |Tehillim |Stories |
| Psalm 3: David's Song |
This psalm reflects King David's tribulations when his son
Absalom rebelled against him, taking over the palace and the
capital. "How many are my enemies! So many rise up against
me!" he cried out.
And yet — the title of the chapter is "David's Song." A
song? Is David content and lighthearted? 'David's
Lamentation' would be more appropriate!
The Talmudic sage Rabbi Shimon gave the following
explanation:
In short, Rabbi Shimon offered two answers:
Divine Justice
Rav Kook explained that the first answer, the comparison to
a man paying off a debt, does not suffice in David's case.
David was a righteous tzaddik who completely accepted
Divine punishment for his mistakes. Such an upright and
honest individual would not feel tremendous relief knowing
that the 'debt had been repaid' — certainly not enough to
compose a song of joy.
It is Rabbi Shimon's second answer that completes the
picture. David feared punishment at the hands of a cruel
servant. His concern reflected his awareness of the extent of
human freedom of choice. He knew that a messenger possessing
free will is capable of inflicting more damage than was
decreed by Heaven. In the end, all is accounted for; but
nonetheless, there is a difference between willingly
accepting the judgment of Heaven, and accepting
extra persecutions from the vehicle of God's retribution.
David rejoiced when he realized that he would be punished at
the hands of his son. His soul broke out in song. He knew
that sons are ordinarily compassionate, and any ordeals
would be according to the precise measure of Divine
justice.
We find that David expressed a similar concern on another
occasion. After he had ordered a census of the people,
contradicting God's will, the prophet Gad allowed David to
choose his punishment: seven years famine, three months of
defeat at the hands of his enemies, or three days of
pestilence.
David responded:
(Adapted from Ein Eyah vol. I, p. 35)
Copyright © 2006 by Chanan Morrison
"David's Song, when he fled from his son
Absalom". (Psalm 3:1)
"This is like a man in debt. Before paying back his debt, he
is worried. But after he has paid it, he rejoices....
"David was worried. 'Perhaps I will be punished by a rebelling servant
who will have no pity on me.' But when he saw that it was
his son Absalom, he was relieved. That is why it is 'David's
Song.' David rejoiced, knowing that sons usually have
mercy on their fathers." (Berachot 7b)
Why was it necessary to give two answers?
"I am very sorry [for what I did]. Let us fall in the hands
of God, for His mercies are great. Just let me not fall in
the hands of man!" (II Samuel 24:14)