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| Psalm 31: "My Times Are in Your Hand" |
This chapter expresses the psalmist's faith that God will
protect him against all enemies. Yet the meaning of the
first part of the following verse is unclear:
What does it mean that one's 'times' are in God's hand?
Hezekiah's Death Sentence
The book of Isaiah relates that King Hezekiah once became
deathly ill, and Isaiah came to visit him. The prophet,
however, did not have good news for the righteous king. "So
has God stated: Set your house in order, for you will die
and not live" (Isaiah 38:1). Many people would have called
it quits upon hearing a respected prophet pronounce a death
sentence so decisively, but Hezekiah turned to the wall and
prayed that he might live.
And God listened, adding 15 years to his life.
The story as narrated in Isaiah is quite brief, but the
Talmud (Berachot 10a) fills in important details about the
conversation between Isaiah and King Hezekiah. The prophet
explained to the king the reason for his illness and
imminent death. Hezekiah, however, refused to accept the
heavenly decree, telling Isaiah firmly:
King Hezekiah's response is surprising. It is one thing to
have faith in God's protection when facing troubles and
difficulties. But what made Hezekiah think that his prayers
could cancel a heavenly decree — especially one confirmed by
a prophet?
Beating the System
Decrees from heaven emanate from the eternal workings of the
universe, from the overall system of interrelated
chains of cause and effect. Prophesy also deals with this
long-term perspective of Divine rule.
However, human beings are granted free will within the realm
of the 'here and now.' We have the ability to change and
improve, and we are judged accordingly. Divine providence
takes into account our current state, freeing it from the
binds of previous causes.
The efficacy of prayer is precisely in its ability to
elevate the individual, allowing him to overcome decrees
belonging to the future via spiritual growth in the present.
For this reason, the Sages referred to prayer as "chayei
sha'ah" — 'life in the present time' (Shabbat 33b). Prayer is an instrument of our free
will, allowing us to break free from the timeless forces of
causality and change our destiny.
When Isaiah informed Hezekiah that he was sentenced to die,
the king retorted, "Stop your prophesying and leave!" Your
prophesy may be true, but it is only according to the
yardstick of eternal Divine rule. We also have the power of prayer and
"chayei shayah." "Even if a sharp sword rests over one's
neck, one should not refrain from praying for God's mercy."
Hezekiah learned this lesson from his ancestor, King David.
David's statement, "My times are in Your hand," meant that
also his current times and activities are in God's hand and
purview. This is the power of prayer, that it can uplift a
person in his present state, overcoming decrees that come
from the realm of causality and overall Divine rule.
(adapted from Ein Eyah vol. I, pp. 54-55)
Copyright © 2006 by Chanan Morrison
"áÌÀéÈãÀêÈ òÄúÌåÉúÈé; äÇöÌÄéìÅðÄé îÄéÌÇã àåÉéÀáÇé åÌîÅøåÉãÀôÈé.
(úäéìéí ì"à:è"æ)
"My times are in Your hand; rescue me from my enemies and my
pursuers." (31:16)
"Son of Amotz, stop your prophesying and leave! I have a
tradition from my grandfather's house (i.e., from King
David): Even if a sharp sword rests over one's neck, one
should not refrain from praying for mercy."