{"id":85248,"date":"2020-12-23T17:50:15","date_gmt":"2020-12-23T15:50:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/?p=85248"},"modified":"2020-12-23T17:50:15","modified_gmt":"2020-12-23T15:50:15","slug":"asaph-the-chief-singer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/en\/asaph-the-chief-singer\/","title":{"rendered":"Asaph The Chief Singer"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Our psalm is prefaced by a superscription: \u201cA psalm of Asaph.\u201d This same superscription (<\/span>mizmor le-Asaph<\/span><\/em>) is found at the beginning of Psalm 50.<\/span> Asaph is also mentioned at the beginnings of Psalms 73-83. According to<\/span> I Chronicles 6<\/span><\/a>, Asaph ben Berechiah ben Shimea was one of the chief singers of King David. Asaph and the \u201cSons of Asaph \u2013 <\/span>B’nei Asaph<\/span><\/em>\u201d are mentioned so frequently in Scripture that the name \u201cAsaph\u201d is thought to be used as an eponymous term for a hereditary group of Temple musicians in general in First and Second Temple times. Indeed, it may be that the designation \u201cAsaph\u201d is more of a musical notation indicating the way certain Psalms should be sung.<\/span><\/p>\n

Midrash Leviticus Rabbah<\/span><\/a> preserves an extensive elaboration of the first verses of our Psalm. \u201cGod is truly good to Israel, to those whose heart is pure\u201d (<\/span>73:1<\/span><\/a>) raises a question. Is it possible that God is truly good to all Israel? The verse therefore continues by referring only to \u201cthose whose heart is pure\u201d, i.e. whose heart is pure in [observing] the Commandments. Similarly, it says: \u201cHappy is the man who finds refuge in You\u201d (<\/span>Psalms 84:6<\/span><\/a>) . Now, you might think that this refers to any man. And so, the verse continues: \u201cwhose heart follows the highways [of righteousness]\u201d, i.e. those for whom the pathways of the Torah are paved in their hearts.<\/span><\/p>\n

The continuation of our psalm: \u201cAs for me, my feet had almost strayed. My steps were nearly led off course\u201d (<\/span>73:2<\/span><\/a>) is interpreted as indicating that Asaph was a son of the wicked Korach (see<\/span> Exodus 6:24<\/span><\/a> and<\/span> I Chronicles 26:1<\/span><\/a>), who was swallowed alive in the earth together with his followers (see<\/span> Numbers 26:10<\/span><\/a>), i.e. Asaph is understood to be saying that he too was almost thrust down into Gehenna with his forefather Korach.<\/span><\/p>\n

Another interpretation is that Asaph was not a son of Korach, but was still in fear that he would end up in Gehenna with the wicked. Why? For he admits: \u201cI envied the wanton <\/span>\u201d (<\/span>73:3<\/span><\/a>). He continues: \u201cDeath has no pangs for them [i.e. for the wicked]. Their body is healthy<\/span>\u2019<\/span><\/i>\u201d (<\/span>73:4<\/span><\/a>) indicates that the wicked do not accumulate suffering for their sins because of which they die [thus ameliorating their final punishment]. But, rather, they remain healthy until the day of judgment [when they receive all the punishment they so richly deserve].<\/span><\/p>\n

Furthermore, the wicked \u201chave no part in the work of men\u201d (<\/span>73:5<\/span><\/a>) \u2013 they do not work for their own livelihood, but steal from others who do. And though the wicked \u201care not afflicted like the rest of mankind\u201d (<\/span>73:5<\/span><\/a>) during their lifetime, they will be fully punished after their death.<\/span><\/p>\n

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