Myśl Żydowska do Psalmów 121:4

Shemot Rabbah 34, states that the Lord said to Israel "you are the sheep and I am the shepherd" as is written in Ezekiel 34,31, "now you My sheep, sheep of My pasture, you are Adam." And I am the shepherd as is written (Psalms 80,2) "hearken O shepherd of Israel. Make for Me a shed so that I can tend you." Similarly, G-d is described as a watchman, Israel being His vineyard. Or, G-d is described in scripture as being the father, Israel being His children. It is an honour for a father to be surrounded by his sons, and it is an honour for the sons to be able to be near their father. Compare Proverbs 17,6, "grandchildren are the crown of their elders, the glory of children are their parents." Therefore: "Make Me an abode so that I can dwell amongst you" i.e. "they shall make a sanctuary for Me, and I will reside amongst them."

The Midrash explains that G-d does not need the light of the candelabra, but He wanted us to provide that light in the tabernacle so that He in turn could provide a great light for us in the world of the future. G-d also wishes to demonstrate to mankind at large that those who kindle lights for Him, deserve to have Him light the way for them. In order to enjoy the benefits of the natural guidance of G-d, one needs to be constantly aware of G-d’s guiding hand in history as well as His share in shaping the fate of individuals. The leaders of the people especially, need visible reminders of that. Therefore, leaders, i.e. Levites were encamped around the tabernacle. The priests would be reminded of G-d’s presence and intervention in the fate of man whenever they would look at the eternal flame on the altar. The holy ark was carried physically by the group of Levites of the highest moral fibre. By the awareness of the proximity of G-d, they in turn invoked the hashgachah peratit, Divine involvement at the personal level. This kept all the dangers inherent in an inhospitable climate such as the desert, away from the Israelites. (see our commentary in chapter 34)

And that he never neglects us, as written "Behold the Guardian of Israel will neither slumber nor sleep" (Tehilim 121:4), that He is all-wise and invincible as written "He is wise in heart and mighty in strength; who hardened [his heart] against Him and remained unhurt?" (Iyov 9:4), and "Yours, O L-ord, are the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty" (Divrei Hayamim I 29:11) and "The L-ord your G-d is in your midst-a Mighty One Who will save" (Tzefania 3:17).