Hey
“They looked [hibutu] to Him and were radiant, and their faces were not ashamed.”
Psalms 34:5 (34:6 Hebrew)

Introduction

• In the last lesson we saw the fourth stanza’s 8 verses begin with dalet – showing 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). There is only one door, one dalet.
• Mishpatim: Judgments. G-d’s standards for treating others. First used in Gen 18:19.
• Davar: Word, speech. Focused on the arrangement of words. Contrast with im’rah which conveys intent. First used in Gen 11:1.

Hey: Horeni = “Teach Me” (from yarah) (Verses 33-40)

• Hey = look, behold, reveal, breath
• Picture = hands lifted or open window
• Spelling = hey-alef
• Value = 5
• Sound = h
• Meaning = G-d breathes understanding and reveals Himself. Placed in the middle of a word, it means to reveal the heart of (example: ohel = tent “heart of G-d revealed”)
• This stanza shows how G-d reveals Himself through His Torah, Mitzvot, Edut, Chukim, and Pikudim. He breathes understanding and life into us.

Hey Words

hey words italicized
33 Teach me, O L-RD, the Derek of Your Chukim, and I shall keep it to the end.
34 Give me understanding, and I shall keep Your Torah; indeed, I shall observe it with my whole heart.
35 Make me walk in the path of Your Mitzvot, for I delight in it.
36 Incline my heart to Your Edut, and not to covetousness.
37 Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things, and revive me in Your Derek.
38 Establish Your ‘Imrah to Your servant, who is devoted to fearing You.
39 Turn away my reproach which I dread, for Your Mishpatim are good.
40 Behold, I long for Your Pikudim; revive me in Your righteousness.

Key Words

• Im’rah: Word. From amar, to speak. These commands carry not only the words, but the meaning of HaShem’s speech.
• Found 19 times in in Ps 119. v 11, 38, 41, 50, 58, 67, 76, 82, 103, 116, 123, 133, 140, 148, 158, 162, 170, 172.
• First usage: Gen 4:23. Not only the speech is conveyed, but the intent and meaning as well.
• Examples: Is 5:24: All G-d’s commands can be summarized in this word – Deut 32:9: it is also covenant language – i.e. not deceitful ‘fine print’ but the actual intent in each statement.
• Tzedek: Righteousness. From tzadak, to be upright, perfectly vertical. This refers to the standard and ‘straight line’ of G-d’s standard reference.
• Found 12 times in Ps 119. v 7, 62, 75, 106, 121, 123, 138, 142, 144, 160, 164, 172.
• First usage: Lev 19:15: A perfectly balanced judging of others.
• Examples: Lev 19:36: perfectly standard scales; Deut 1:16: unbiased judgment. (James 2:1ff)

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 hey verses show us that G-d reveals Himself through His Word, and through His Word He breaths live and understanding into us.