NOTE: For a PDF of this mizmor, please click here. This will enable you to print out the entire text of the article. [Rev 0]
Key Concepts of Mizmor 119-015 (Beis 7) – Meditation
The Doctrines ( פִּקֻּדִים ), which David introduced in pasuk 119:004, are mitzvos that we are called upon to perform primarily with our minds. These Pikudim involve our sincere thoughts of trust, belief, gratitude, love, and reverence towards Hashem. They also involve corresponding attitudes to our fellow man.
As a person goes through life he often has quiet moments when he can perform a variety of mitzvos simply by meditating upon his life in this world and his relationship with his Creator. He can also think about the many kindnesses that Hashem does for each of us every minute of the day. Only by his awareness of the flow of life and goodness that Hashem showers upon us, can man begin to have appreciation for the gratitude he owes.
Exploring the Mizmor
(טו) בְּפִקֻּדֶיךָ אָשִׂיחָה וְאַבִּיטָה אֹרְחֹתֶיךָ:
I meditate upon Your Pikudim and I look closely at Your ways.
In this pasuk David sings about the time during the day that he devotes to reflecting upon the many Pikudim and exploring their significance. To properly appreciate the opportunities for gratitude to Hashem, David allows his mind’s eye to dwell upon the endless ways by which Hashem controls every detailed aspect of the vast world we live in.
The details of the mitzvos of the mind are extensively explored in the sefer Chovos Halevavos.
Learning the Mizmor
(טו) בְּפִקֻּדֶיךָ אָשִׂיחָה
I meditate upon Your doctrines — בְּפִקֻּדֶיךָ אָשִׂיחָה at every opportunity and I look intensly at Your ways — וְאַבִּיטָה אֹרְחֹתֶיךָ with my mind’s eye.
A series of insights illuminating this pasuk are presented below. The numbers identifying the insights refer to the listing of sources below.
(1) The word אָשִׂיחָה has been translated as referring to meditation. However, it may also refer to speaking, such as in casual conversation. In this sense, meditation is the act of speaking to one’s heart.
(2) The thoughts inspired by the Pikudim should always be near the top of one’s mind so that they readily come up in conversation.
(3) Through a study of Hashem’s ways, one may also be inspiried to perform certain physical mitzvos such as visiting the sick and helping those who are in need. To the extent we are able to identify Hashem’s ways it is a mitzvah to emulate them.
The primary sources used for the additional insights illuminating this pasuk are listed below.
(1) -אבן עזרא, מצודות, רד”ק, היצהרי
(2) – נר לרגלי
(3) – אלשיך