Readers of Tehillim ("psalms") frequently encounter the word, "Selah" for example, in the verse, "He answers me from His holy mountain, selah" (3:5). Some people are not entirely clear about the interpretation of this word.
Rav Shimshon Raphael Hirsch comments that "Selah is a notation at the close of a thought directing one to reflect upon its enduring significance." The enduring significance of the thought quoted above is of vital significance to Israel and the world. Consider the verse in its entirety:
With my voice I call out to Hashem, and He answers me from His holy mountain, Selah.
David wrote and sang this song during the rebellion of Avshalom (2 Samuel 13 – 19). Israel today also has internal fissures among those who should sustain and extend its dominion. The key point, the point of enduring significance is that when one of the children of Israel, particularly a leader of Israel calls out to Hashem he will be answered by Hashem, — "from His holy mountain." For this answer to be clear to Israel the holiness of the mountain must be sustained as enumerated in the Mishne Torah of Rambam (Maimonides in the Anglicized Greek form of his name). These are not policy options but commandments that acknowledge the holiness of the Eternal One, proclaiming and sustaining it in the world.
To cite just a few of the relevant mitzvoth: (25), "to build His chosen house," (21) "to revere this house," (22) "to keep watch over this house continuously," (29) "to keep a fire burning on the altar" (39) "to offer the tamid offerings each day," (84) "to sacrifice all the offerings in His chosen house" and on the forbidden side, (65) "Not to destroy the Temple," for that matter, "not to destroy any synagogues or Beit Midrashim" a commandment often violated by aspects of the 'peace process.' One who consults Mishne Torah will find approximately 170 mitzvoth that pertain to the integrity and service of His chosen house on His holy mountain. Where is the holy house today? Israel Eldad wrote of the insolence and mockery above squatting where the house should be; and of the controlling alliance of Edom and Ishmael.
Anyone can see the condition of the holy mountain today and in the 43 years since Israel regained control of it. Students of history know that it could have been regained in 1948. The point of enduring significance is that for a leader of Israel to be heard in his distress for the integrity of Israel, Hashem will answer him "from His holy mountain." But if the mountain is in a state of chilul or tumah the answer, if it is not withheld will not be clear.
Just as was done at Sinai, the mountain must be bound and sanctified for the answer to be given so it can be followed. The quotations from Rambam indicate the kind of observance required.
The 'wheel does not need to be re-invented.' Chumash, Rambam and Rav Hirsch cannot and need not be re-written. Regarding one current issue, lo ta'aseh 51 states, "Not to allow the worshippers of false gods to settle in our land" (from Shemot 23:33). Similarly Hashem answers "from His holy mountain" which must be maintained in a state of holiness. There is work to be done; that is the key thing in Judaism, doing as when the people said, "All the things that Hashem has spoken we will do!" (Shemot 19:8).
Translations from Tehillim by R Hillel Danziger (Mesorah 1988); translations from Mishne Torah by R Eliahu Touger (Moznaim 1989); R' Yisrael Zvi Herczeg translates "mountain of His holiness" (Feldheim, Rashi on Tehillim) which stresses that desecration of the mountain is chilul Hashem.
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The views expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Jewish Eye.
Related Reviews:
The Artscroll Tehillim, Edited by Rabbi Nosson Scherman and Rabbi Meir Zlotowitz.
The psalms of King David, in Hebrew with English translation on the facing page. This edition includes brief commentaries related to the Tehillim.
Tehillim / Psalms, by Rabbi Avrohom Chaim Feuer.
This comprehensive verse-by-verse translation of the Tehillim, along with a commentary anthologized from Talmudic, Midrashic, and Rabbinic sources by Rabbi Avrohom Chaim Feuer, is both inspiring and uplifting.
