Kuf
HaShem is near to those who have a broken heart,
And saves such as have a contrite spirit.
34:18 (34:19 Hebrew)
Reish
Many are the afflictions of the righteous,
But HaShem delivers him out of them all.
Psalms 34:19 (34:20 Hebrew)

Introduction

• Last week we saw how the pay stanza shows that G-d’s testimonies, precepts, commands give light to G-d’s people. They open their mouths and receive from His mouth
• We saw how the tzadi stanza shows that we are “hooked” or drawn by G-d’s words and transformed by them.

Kuf: Karati = “I cry out” ( Verses 145-152)

• kuf = what is behind, least, the last
• Picture = back of the head
• Spelling = kuf-vav-fay
• Value = 100
• Sound = k
• Meaning = G-d sets His people apart and bids them to follow Him.
• This stanza shows that if we must follow G-d. G-d answers those whom He has set apart for Himself.
  
  Note: This is the letter for “holy” vdq [kadosh] which pictures a man passing through a door in to the presence consuming fire of G-d.

Kuf Words

kuf words italicized
145 I cry out with my whole heart; hear me, O HaShem! I will keep Your Chukim.
146 I cry out to You; save me, and I will keep Your Edah.
147 I rise before the dawning of the morning, and cry for help; I hope in Your Davar.
148 My eyes are awake through the night watches, that I may meditate on Your Imrah.
149 Hear my voice according to Your lovingkindness; O HaShem, revive me according to Your Mishpatim.
150 They draw near who follow after wickedness; they are far from Your Torah.
151 You are near, O HaShem, and all Your Mitzvot are truth.
152 Concerning Your Edah, I have known of old that You have founded them forever.

Reish: R’eh-Anyi= “Look upon” ( Verses 153-160)

• reish = first, head, beginning, highest, proud
• Picture = head of a man
• Spelling = reish-yod-shin
• Value = 200
• Sound = r
• Meaning = G-d is first and most important
• This stanza shows that the sum of G-d’s Word is truth and that it should have the highest place in our lives.

Reish Words

reish words italicized
153 Consider my affliction and deliver me, for I do not forget Your Torah.
154 Plead my cause and redeem me; revive me according to Your Imrah.
155 Salvation is far from the wicked, for they do not seek Your Chukim.
156 Great are Your tender mercies, O HaShem; revive me according to Your Mishpatim.
157 Many are my persecutors and my enemies, yet I do not turn from Your Edut.
158 I see the treacherous, and am disgusted, because they do not keep Your Imrah.
159 Consider how I love Your Pikudim; revive me, O HaShem, according to Your lovingkindness.
160 The entirety of Your Davar is truth, and every one of Your righteous Mishpatim endures forever.

Summary                                                              

• We saw how the kuf stanza shows that if we must follow G-d. G-d answers those whom He has set apart for Himself.
• We saw how the reish stanza shows that the sum of G-d’s Word is truth and that it should have the highest place in our lives.