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The Sabbath Amidah Prayer
Unlike the weekday Amidah ('Standing Prayer') that
contains 19 blessings, the Amidah on Shabbat only has
seven. Why seven? The Talmud (Berachot 29a) explains that
these seven blessings correspond to the seven times that the
phrase "God's voice" appears in Psalm 29.
Waters of Destruction
The world appears most advanced and perfected when we view
in its developed, built-up state. But upon deeper
reflection, it is possible to recognize that there is also a
need for the destructive forces in the world. If we can
perceive the positive benefits of destructive phenomena —
like the necessary role played by forest fires in the growth
and regeneration of a forest — then we may grasp how these
adverse forces also reflect the underlying purpose and
divine wisdom governing the universe.
Water is a particularly apt metaphor for the destructive
forces of nature. Water, the seas and the oceans, are the
antithesis of progress and civilization. David composed
Psalm 29 while meditating "upon the waters." He reflected on
the great destructive forces in the world — leaving mighty
cedars broken, deserts shaking, and forests stripped bare —
and he was able to hear the voice of God. Thus the phrase
"God's voice" is the leitmotif of the chapter, repeated
seven times.
This understanding is most clearly revealed in the
spectacular devastation of cultivated land by floodwaters in
the days of Noah. At that time of overall destruction, "God
sat enthroned at the Flood" (29:10) — the world was cleansed
of all that was irretrievably evil.
Sabbath Rest
What does this have to do with the Sabbath?
We mistakenly think that our greatest achievements are to be
found in our actions and practical accomplishments. Idleness
and inactivity are assumed to be inconsequential, if not
negative, aspects of life.
In truth, it is rest that perfects all actions. Rest is the
contemplative preparation that gives meaning and direction
to our endeavors. This is the value of the menuchah (rest)
on Shabbat. It deepens our intellectual awareness and
enhances our spiritual life. The Sabbath rest crowns our
weekday activities, as it directs them towards their true
purpose.
Seven Blessings
Now we can understand why the Sabbath Amidah prayer
contains seven blessings. It incorporates six —
corresponding to the six days of creation and action — plus
the seventh dimension of direction and purpose (cf. Maharal,
Tiferet Yisrael ch. 40). The number seven indicates that the
Sabbath menuchah is not just a negative cessation from
work, but rather the development of our moral faculties and
spiritual direction, promoting our closeness to God and His
ways.
(adapted from Olat Re'iyah vol. II pp. 19-20; Ein Eyah vol.
I p. 122)
Copyright © 2006 by Chanan Morrison
Why did the Sages associate this psalm, which contains not a
single mention of Shabbat, to the Sabbath prayers? Also, why
did they describe this psalm as the one that David composed
"upon the waters"? Why the emphasis on water?