We hope this fifth article, exploring Psalm 59, the fifth Psalm of the Tikkun Haklali, will help you learn more of the deeper meanings it contains, making the words your own. Specifically, this article will discuss the enigmatic word עז (oz) that is found in four verses of Psalm 59 and in many other places in Torah.
The shoresh (root word) עז (oz) is an adjective meaning strong, powerful, mighty, keen. In Rabbenu Nachman’s Likutey Moharan the word contains two opposites — holy boldness and bold brazenness, עַזֵּי דקדושה and עַזי פָּנִים (azut panim and azut d’kedushah). The word עז (oz) is found in different forms in verses 4, 10, 17, and 18.
59:4 For see, they lie in wait for me; fierce men plot against me for no offense of mine, for no transgression, O Lord.
We hear the voice of David beseeching Hashem to protect his person and his home from violent, brazen, (presumably) military-trained men — the sons and grandchildren of Saul. These are angry, impatient men with a dubious past, men who meet their death violently (Yoma 39a).
59:10 O my strength, I wait for You, for G-d is my haven.
The verse speaks of Saul’s power, which David honoured as an obligation under Jewish law because of Saul’s status as king. David, a man of strength capable of violence, understands his true strength lies in his ability to pray to Hashem with concentration and zeal. G-d is his true strength. This verse speaks to the power of emunah and fidelity to Torah law that exemplified David’s life and is a model for us. That power will lead to the Mashiach.
59:17 But I will sing of Your strength and extol each morning Your faithfulness, for You have been my haven, a refuge in time of trouble.
David sings of God’s goodness and help in the difficulties he faces through his life. He renews himself each morning with this.
59:18 My strength, to You I sing hymns, for God is my haven, my faithful God.
In these four verses, taken together, we read words of David’s strength of character, devotion to halakhah (Jewish law), and unfailing emunah. His example offers encouragement to all of us.
In summary, in our Psalm and elsewhere, we are given inspiration and instruction on how to achieve azut d’kedushah, holy boldness.
