Meaning of Tehillim 27/2

Meaning of Tehillim 27

Exegetical Approaches

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Physical Danger

David is requesting only physical protection from his enemies.

Historical Context – Ibn Ezra states that David wrote this psalm after he was prevented from leading his men in battle (Shemuel II 21:17). Since he could not fight himself, he is instead praying for the success of his soldiers.

Identification of the enemies – Ibn Ezra and Radak do not give specific identifications to the enemies mentioned in verses 2,3,6,11,12. However, they are clearly referring to human enemies, who seek David's death.

"שִׁבְתִּי בְּבֵית י"י" – Ibn Ezra and Radak view verse 4 as the deeper purpose behind David's request. While the whole psalm is devoted to requesting physical protection from his enemies, David only needs that peace and calm in order to be able to devote himself to study and worship in the house of Hashem (identified by Radak as the tent which contained the Ark of the Covenant).

"כִּי יִצְפְּנֵנִי בְּסֻכֹּה" – According to this approach, verse 5 is request for divine protection from physical enemies. Ibn Ezra further identifies "סֻכֹּה" as Jerusalem, based on the parallel verse "וַיְהִי בְשָׁלֵם סוּכּוֹ" (Tehillim 76:3).

Verses 12-14 – According to Ibn Ezra, these verses depict David's enemies, who demoralize him, and if not for his belief in Hashem ultimately rewarding him, David would have succumbed to his enemies.¹

Both Physical and Spiritual Dangers

David is requesting physical protection from his enemies, in order that he will be free to deal with his spiritual dangers.

The halves of the psalm – The Malbim views verses 1-6 as a preliminary to the main request in verses 7-14. David requests physical protection in verses 1-6, but this is only a necessary precondition to allow him to request spiritual assistance.

Identification of the enemies – The Meiri and Malbim agree that the enemies mentioned in verses 2,3,6 are ordinary physical enemies who intend to cause David physical harm. However, the disagree regarding the enemies in verses 11-12:

• According to the Meiri, these enemies are normal human enemies, who are fighting and slandering David. These enemies, intending physical harm, are also causing spiritual harm, by distracting and deterring David from his worship of Hashem.
• According to the Malbim, these enemies are metaphorical enemies, depicting David's evil inclinations and harmful thoughts.

"שִׁבְתִּי בְּבֵית י"י" – The Malbim views sitting in the house of Hashem as the embodiment of physical protection, where David would be both protected from his enemies and also have all of physical needs taken care of.

"כִּי יִצְפְּנֵנִי בְּסֻכֹּה" – According to the Meiri and Malbim, "סֻכֹּה" is a metaphor for Hashem's protection from enemies.

Verses 12-14 – According to Malbim, these verses refer to David's internal struggle with theodicy (this being the "עֵדֵי שֶׁקֶר"), which is solved by his belief in the world to come ("טוּב י"י בְּאֶרֶץ חַיִּים").

¹ Ibn Ezra does not explain what "בְּאֶרֶץ חַיִּים" means according to this understanding. However, the Malbim suggests that these verses refer to the time when David was running from Shaul, and that "בְּאֶרֶץ חַיִּים" refers to the land of Israel, and Hashem's promise of kingship.