Zayin
“This poor man cried out, and HaShem heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.”
Psalms 34:6 (34:7 Hebrew)

Chet
“The angel of HaShem encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them.”
Psalms 34:7 (34:8 Hebrew)

Introduction

• The sixth stanza was the letter vav. Vav is a nail, or a connector. Verses 41-48 showed how G-d secures us and binds us to Him.
• This week we will look at the seventh and eighth stanza, the letters zayin and chet, which are the seventh and eighth letters of the alef-bet.

Zayin: Zakar = “Remember” (Verses 49-56)

• zayin = to cut, to cut off, food, nourish
• Picture = a weapon, mattock
• Spelling = zayin-yod-nun sofit
• Value =  7
• Sound = z
• Meaning = G-d defends us, and provides sustenance for us. He also provides weapons for our defense.
• This stanza shows us that G-d’s weapons used against His Enemy provide comfort and protection for us. Verse 55 specifically identify His Name and His Word as weapons.

Note: Tagi’in (tittles) are miniature zayin “decorations” on other letters. zayin has special symbolization in relation to the “flaming sword” which guards the way to the Tree of Life (more on this with letter “nun”)

Zayin Words

zayin words italicized
49 Remember the Davar to Your servant, upon which You have caused me to hope.
50 This is my comfort in my affliction, for Your Imrah has given me life.
51 The proud have me in great derision, yet I do not turn aside from Your Torah.
52 I remembered Your Mishpatim of old, O HaShem, and have comforted myself.
53 Indignation has taken hold of me because of the wicked, who forsake Your Torah.
54 Your Chukim have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage.
55 I remember Your name in the night, O HaShem, and I keep Your Torah.
56 This has become mine, because I kept Your Pikudim.

Chet: Chel Ki = “My Portion” (Verses 57-64)

• chet = to separate, to fence, make private, grace/favor
• Picture = wedding chuppa, fence, tent wall
• Spelling = chet-yod-tav
• Value =  8
• Sound = ch as in “Bach”
• Meaning = G-d graciously sanctifies and protects His people to whom He was betrothed under the “wedding chuppah”.
• This stanza symbolizes the truth that G-d’s Word is a fence to guard and protect His bride.

Chet Words

chet words italicized
57 You are my portion, O HaShem;  I have said that I would keep Your Davar.
58 I entreated Your favor with my whole heart; be merciful to me according to Your ‘Imrah.
59 I thought about my Derek, and turned my feet to Your Aydah.
60 I made haste, and did not delay to keep Your Mitzvot.
61 The cords of the wicked have bound me, but I have not forgotten Your Torah.
62 At midnight I will rise to give thanks to You, because of Your righteous Mishpatim.
63 I am a companion of all who fear You, and of those who keep Your Pikudim.
64 The earth, O HaShem, is full of Your mercy; teach me Your Chukim.

Summary                                                              

• The zayin verses symbolize that G-d’s weapons used against His Enemy provide comfort and protection for us.
• The chet verses symbolize the truth that G-d’s Word is a fence to guard and protect His bride.