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A Song in Any Situation The Talmud in Tractate Sanhedrin (92b) recounts that when Nebuchadnezzar (the evil King of Babylonia that destroyed the First Temple) became aware of Hashem`s (G-d’s) wonders, he wanted to sing His praises, and if not that an angel struck his mouth, his songs would have been finer than those of King David’s Psalms. The Rebbe of Kotzk explained: King David sang praises even in troublesome times, such as when he escaped Shaul and Absalom and at every misfortune, but the evil Nebuchadnezzar wanted to sing praises in riches and comfort when he was king of the whole known world. An angel therefore came and hit him on the mouth and discomfited him somewhat, as if to say, Now let’s see if you still will sing praise” (Sefer Lahavos Kodesh quoted in Meoros Daf Yomi Publication, Vol. 185)

The greatness of King David’s Tehilim (Psalms) was that the songs and praises of King David were composed in the most uncomfortable and distressing situations. He recognized that the source of all that transpires in this world whether for good or for bad is from Hashem (G-d). Even in his darkest moments, he would lift his eyes to the Heavens and pray that Hashem should save him and after he saw the salvation, he would sing to Hashem songs of praises and thanks. “I lift my eyes to the mountains. From where will my salvation come? My salvation comes from Hashem who created the heavens and the Earth.” (Tehilim 130) Even in the midst of his travail David recognized that deliverance was at hand. “I thank You for You have afflicted me, and You have been my deliverance.” (Metsudah Tehilim. According to the interpretation of the Gerer Rebbe, known as the Sfas Emes.)

Throughout Tehilim, David’s noble disposition shines through. The key factor in David’s persona is his humility and total subordination to the Will of Hashem. Although he overcame all his enemies, his conduct when dealing with his adversaries and attackers was of wisdom, calm and restraint. In the incident with Shimei ben Gera, who cursed David and pelted him with stones as he was fleeing for his life from his son, Absalom, when David’s general Yoav ben Zeruaih wanted to kill Shimei on the spot for his effrontery to the King, David said: ”Let him be. Let him curse, for Hashem has told him to”(Samuel II 16:11). In the face of such impudence David remains silent and calm and attributes Shimei’s insolence to Hashem’s Will and accepts it lovingly.

Through his unwavering faith in G-d, David triumphed over all adversity. This is what the Book of Psalms teaches us; to follow the ways of King David and trust in Hashem with all our heart and soul. “And you should love Hashem with all your heart, and with all your soul and with all your wealth” (From the Shema). As King David himself proclaimed: “I had faith (even) when I said, ‘I suffer greatly’” (Tehilim 116)