Cytowanie Komentarza do Psalmów 132:13

"on the service": As the Holy One, blessed be He, chose Israel from all of the nations and the Land of Israel from all of the lands, and He chose Jerusalem from all of the Land of Israel and He chose Zion from Jerusalem, as it is stated (Psalms 132:13), "As the Lord chose Zion, He desired it for His habitation." And He chose the House of Choice from everything for the sake of the service, about which it is written, "desire" - as it states (Leviticus 1:3), "desirous in front of God." Behold that because of the service the whole world was created. Then, due to our sins, the Temple was destroyed and the service was annulled. And prayer is now for us in its place, as the sages, may their memory be blessed, said (Taanit 2a), "'And to serve him with all your hearts' (Deuteronomy 11:13) - what service is there in the heart, one should say this is prayer." And this is what it states (Psalms 51:17), "Lord, open my lips," as King David said this verse about the sin of Batsheva which was volitional, and one cannot bring a sacrifice for volitional sins. And about this he stated (Psalms 51:18), "Since You do not want me to bring sacrifices; You do not desire burnt offerings." Had I been able to bring a sacrifice to atone for myself, I would have brought [it]. Now that I cannot, 'Lord, open my lips and let my mouth say your praise,' and accept my prayer in place of a sacrifice and let it atone me for my sin. Also for us that do not have a sacrifice to atone for us - not accidental sins and not volitional sins - 'Lord, open my lips' and accept our prayers in place of the sacrifices.

On your walls, O Jerusalem Our Rabbis expounded it according to its apparent meaning as referring to the angels who remind the Lord concerning its destruction, to build it. What do they say? (Ps. 102:14) “You shall rise, You shall have mercy on Zion”; (ibid. 132:13) “For the Lord has chosen Zion.” As is found in the Tractate Menahoth (87a, Rashi ad loc.). Jonathan, [however,] renders “your walls,” the early forefathers, who protect us like a wall.

Jerusalem is called an inheritance for bringing its sanctity and establishing it forever. Regarding Jerusalem, the prophet said, "His inheritance shall not be forsaken" (Joel 3:20). At first, it is mentioned that God chose Jerusalem for His divine presence and chose Israel as His treasured nation. Afterwards, it is stated that God will watch over this people whom He has chosen in that place, as it is also said, "For the Lord has chosen Zion" (Psalms 132:13), "For the Lord has chosen Jacob" (Psalms 135:4). "For the Lord will not forsake His people" (1 Samuel 12:22). The greatness of Jerusalem is further explained, and it is said, "This is My resting place forever" (Psalms 132:14). The reference to "within the curtains" and "within the walls of the sanctuary" is explained as I have clarified on numerous occasions.