Psalm
27 is read twice daily from the beginning of the month of Elul through
the holiday of Sukkot in order to help each Jew develop a beautiful
relationship with the Divine.

“One
thing have I asked of God, one thing do I desire: that I may dwell in
the house of God all the days of my life, to behold the graciousness of
God, and to visit in His Temple” (27:4). This poignant phrase is an
expression of the true longing that is reflected in this psalm. While
one may look to God as a protector and a savior (which, indeed, is how
God is referred to through much of this psalm), it is critical to also
seek out God and to try to be close to Him.

Psalm
27 was written by King David, who certainly did not have an easy life
(King Saul wanted him dead, his sons rebelled…), and yet King David
remained steadfast in his faith in God. With all his troubles, David had
the incredible gift of being able to look at the world and recognize
the ways in which God protected him. “Had I not believed that I would
look upon the goodness of God in the land of the living!–Hope in the
Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; yea, hope in the
Lord” (27:13-14).

The
month of Elul, which leads into Rosh Hashana, is a time for reflecting
on the wonderful gift of having a relationship with the Divine–and how
one can work to achieve that relationship.

This Treat is reposted annually.



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