Commentaire de citation sur Les Psaumes 119:129

In the name of the great G-d, and the fearful,¹Daniel 9:4. It could not be Deuteronomy 10:17 since there the attribute mighty is mentioned. It is possible that the author chose the verse from Daniel rather than that of Deuteronomy in order to allude to the rest of the verse there: And I prayed unto the Eternal my G-d, and made confession and said, O, Eternal the great and fearful G-d, and Who keepest the covenant and mercy with them that love Thee and keep Thy commandments. There is thus here an allusion to a prayer for G-d’s mercy in the author’s work before him. I will begin to write novel interpretations On the explanation of the Torah, With terror, with fear, With trembling, with sweat, with dread,²See Berachoth 22 a, where it is explained that these are the ways in which the Torah was given and by which it was studied. Praying and confessing With a humble heart and a broken spirit, Asking forgiveness, Seeking pardon and atonement,³That is, in case he errs in his interpretations and especially in his refuting the opinions of the other masters. With bowing to the ground, With kneeling, with prostration, Until all the vertebrae of the spine Seem to be loosened.⁴Berachoth 28 b. And that my soul knoweth right well,⁵Psalms 139:14. In clear awareness, That the egg of the ant is not as small In comparison to the outermost sphere As is my little wisdom And brief knowledge Against the hidden matters of the Torah⁶A reference to the Cabala — the mystic teachings of the Torah — elements of which the author intends to include in his commentary, but here he confesses his brief knowledge thereof. That lie hidden in her house, Concealed in her room; For every precious thing and every wonder, Every profound mystery and all glorious wisdom Are stored up with her, Sealed up in her treasure By a hint, by a word, In writing and in speaking; Just as the prophet — who was adorned With royal garments and a crown, The annointed of the G-d of Jacob,⁷II Samuel 23:1. The author of the sweetest of songs — said: I have seen an end To every purpose; But Thy commandment Is exceedingly broad,⁸Psalms 119:96. And it is said, Thy testimonies are wonderful; Therefore doth my soul keep them.⁹Ibid., Verse 129.