Dalet
“[Darash’ti et HaShem] I sought HaShem, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears..
Psalms 34:4 (34:5 Hebrew)

Introduction

• In the last lesson we saw the third stanza’s 8 verses begin with gimel – pointing to the fact that that G-d reveals truth to His “sojourners” – and that He lifts up men and either rebukes, or rewards them.
• Chukim: Statutes, royal decrees. From chakak, to inscribe, to engrave. Commands that often do not make sense (to man).First used in Gen 26:5.
• Mitzvot: Commands. Ordinances. From tzava, to command, to give an order. Directly tied to ahav [love]. First used in Gen 26:5.
• Both of these words are words used to describe the faith of Abraham.

Dalet: Dav’kah = “Cling” or “Follow Closely” (Verses 25-32)

• Dalet = door, entrance, hang,
• Picture = door or entrance
• Spelling = dalet-lamed-tav
• Value = 4
• Sound = d
• Meaning = G-d is the Door and Way of Life. Humility is a sign of entrance into life.
• This stanza shows that we must choose between the way of lying or the Way of Truth. Man is in poverty before he understands G-d’s way (door).
• Gen 3:24; John 10:7; John 14:6: The Way, the Door.

Dalet Words

dalet words italicized
25 My soul clings to the dust; revive me according to Your Davar.
26 I have declared my Derek, and You answered me; teach me Your Chukim.
27 Make me understand the Derek of Your Pikudim; so shall I meditate on Your wonderful works.
28 My soul melts from heaviness; strengthen me according to Your Davar.
29 Remove from me the Derek of lying, and grant me Your Torah graciously.
30 I have chosen the Derek of truth; Your Mishpatim I have laid before me.
31 I cling to Your Edut; O L-RD, do not put me to shame!
32 I will run the Derek of Your Mitzvot, for You shall enlarge my heart.

Key Words

• mishpatim: Judgments, standards. From shafat, to set right, to judge. These are commands that deal with G-d’s standards for treating others, mirroring what G-d Himself does in dealing with man.
• Found 23 times in singular or plural form in Ps 119. v 7, 13, 20, 30, 39, 43, 52, 62, 75, 84, 91, 102, 106, 108, 120, 121, 132, 137, 149, 156, 160, 164, 175.
• First usage: Gen 18:19. HaShem’s description of Abraham.
• Examples: Gen 18:25: G-d’s action at Sodom etc. Ex 21:1: instructions regarding sh’mittah [year of release]. Num 27:5: Case of the daughters of Zelophehad.
• davar: Word, speak, promise. From davar, to arrange in a row. Often prophetic in nature. Also a generic word for all of G-d’s instructions.
• Found 24 times in Ps 119 in singular or plural. v 9, 16, 17, 25, 28, 42 (twice), 43, 49, 57, 65, 74, 81, 89, 101, 105, 107, 114, 130, 139, 147, 160, 161, 169.
• First usage: Gen 11:1: One language, and one davar.
• Examples: Lev 17:2: No private offerings. Deut 10:4: the Ten Words.

Our Response

• How does this reveal the character of G-d?
• Is this something that G-d does for me?
• Is this something that G-d wants me to do in response to Him?
• Is this something that G-d wants me to do with Him?

Summary                                                               

• The dalet verses show how we must choose between the way of lying or the Way of Truth. Man is in poverty before he understands G-d’s way (door).
• The only way is through the “Door of the Sheep” – Yeshua the Messiah. He is the Way.
• G-d’s standards and judgments are always right. He is ‘Fair’. He wants His people to act that way toward each other.
• His promises, His words, are always true.