FFOZ Blogs : By Your Light We See the Light

FFOZ Blogs

Keep in touch with what is happening
behind the scenes at First Fruits of Zion.

The Siddur Project

By Your Light We See the Light

By Boaz Michael | Comments (0) | Posted on January 2, 2006

We are privileged to both know and have the ability to study the Torah. Do we understand this to be a privilege? If so, then this perspective should transform our approach to the study of the Torah and how we communicate it to others.

The traditional daily morning prayers contain several introductions before getting into the meat of the prayers. One of these introductions is a beautiful reminder of how we have all come into the knowledge of God, what a precious privilege it is, and how we can take comfort in His presence. It is an appropriate introduction to the prayers, as it is through prayer that we are able to unite with God and take refuge in His occupying presence. The following prayer is prayed just after putting on the tallit (prayer shawl). After fully enwrapping oneself, the following is prayed:

How precious is Your kindness, O God! The sons of man take refuge ¹ in the shadow of Your wings.² May they be sated from the abundance of Your house; and may You give them to drink from the stream of Your delights. ³ For with You is the source of life-by Your light we shall see light. ⁴ Extend Your kindness to those who know You, and Your charity to the upright of heart. (Artscroll Siddur, page 5)

Like most of the prayers in the Siddur this one is derived from Scripture, Psalm 36:8-11. ⁵ These verses are set within the greater context of Psalm 36 which portrays a stark contrast between those who defy God and those who serve Him. This Psalm can be broken down as follows:

1. Introduction and the description of the thoughts and actions of the wicked. vv.1-5
2. Acknowledgment that God's loving-kindness and righteousness fill the earth. This is also the section that the above-mentioned prayer from the Siddur is derived. vv.6-11
3. Prayers of protection from the wicked. vv.12-13

We will focus primarily on the center section (#2) that forms the prayer that we are studying in this lesson. However, the context is important to remember. For example, our prayer acknowledges that life is found solely in the presence of God "...You give them to drink from the stream of Your delights. For with You is the source of Life...." As well as, it is exclusively through His light that we are able to see Light "...by Your light we shall see light..."

These combined thoughts should make one aware that God is the source of life and knowledge. This brings one to a place of humility. Humility is displayed by graciousness, being slow to speak and non-pretentiousness. Humility is revealed in one's life through an attitude of ever increasing knowledge and understanding of the Scripture-being quick to respond to truth. A humble one will be scrupulous in the care of the Scriptures, always mindful of Who one represents and fully aware and conscientious of the futility of vanity, position or accolade.⁶

Pride tends to confuse His place of sovereignty in our lives.⁷ The Psalmist is aware of this as his prayer continues in vs. 12, "Let not the foot of arrogance come upon me..."

Commentaries vary upon whom this appeal is regarding. Most agree that it refers to a third party individual who is wicked and haughty. However, one commentary notes that the arrogance referred to is "not to the enemy from the outside but rather to the enemy within (it is the trap of pride) ...Arrogance blinds man, preventing him from recognizing God's accomplishments, because of his erroneous pride, he considers His achievements to be his own."⁸
"By Your light we shall see light..." v.10

In reading, praying and considering these words daily we are constantly reminded that it is solely by His design that we are illuminated to the realities of His Kingdom. So it is then by His light that we can see truth, it really has little to do with us. He enlightens-we respond.

In your Torah studies, always remember that it is only by His light that you are able to see His truth. Employ this understanding, and you will develop a genuine trait of humility. In humility you will find shelter in the shadow of His wings.

"For you save a humble people, but the haughty eyes you bring down. For it is you who light my lamp; the LORD my God lightens my darkness." (Psalm 18:27-28)

Endnotes

1. Prayer is a refuge. The following Psalms refer to taking refuge in God (Psalm 5:11; 18:2, 30; 25:20.) It is through prayer that we encounter the presence of the Master-in whom we are able to take refuge. John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
2. Malachi 4:2 But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall.
3. John 4:13-14 "Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty forever. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life."
4. By His grace we see the light of the Messiah, for Yeshua is the Light of the World (Jn 8:12). By His grace we see the light of the Torah. (Ps 119:18, 130)
5. Note: There is a differentiation by 1 verse between Hebrew and Christian versions of the Bible.
6. James 4:6-10 "...God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble." 8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded....10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.
7. The establishment and the recognition of the sovereignty of God is a Constant theme throughout the Siddur.
8. Malbim, The Artscroll Tanach Series, Tehillim, p. 447.

About the Author: Boaz Michael is the president and founder of First Fruits of Zion.

With this all new Hebrew learning resource you can get started in learning Hebrew and drawing ever nearer to the Jewish Messiah as you master the Hebrew alphabet

FFOZ Blogs

The Siddur Project

By Your Light We See the Light

Endnotes

Post your comments...

Name

Email Address

Comments

Search in blogs...

Feeds

Browse Entries

Select a Blog

Most Recent Entries

Select a Previous Month