The great medieval commentator Ibn Ezra explains that the aim of this psalm is to teach us how one may encounter God’s greatness: through investigating nature and through studying Torah. Rashi adds that the two halves of the psalm set up a comparison; just as the sun spreads light, so too does the Torah enlighten. The second half of the psalm, from which you are singing, lists six names for Torah, each paired with a quality and an effect. According to the Sforno, as the Torah is perfect (temimah), when a person occupies himself with it, his soul, which is also called neshamah, is revived. Verse 8: "The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul". The Hebrew word for "restoring" (meshivat) means "to bring back." The Torah brings back the soul that has strayed or become weary, revitalizing and renewing it. The "simple" person is not stupid, but one who is open and uncomplicated, and the Torah makes such a person wise and discerning. Verse 9: "The precepts... are right, rejoicing the heart". The word "right" (yesharim) implies straightness and evenness. Ibn Ezra explains that the precepts are called right because they lead a person on the straight path that has no obstacle. He also notes that just as the sun brings joy during the day, the precepts bring joy at all times. "The commandment... is pure, enlightening the eyes", Ibn Ezra teaches that the commandment is called pure because it is clear and without any darkness, like the sun which has no blackness within it. It illuminates the eyes, bringing clarity and insight. Verse 10: "The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever". This "fear" is not terror, but the awe and reverence that comes from knowing God. Ibn Ezra says it is clean because it does not become defiled, like the sun which is always pure even when it appears dim. It is enduring forever because it is not composed of the four elements like physical things, and therefore does not change. "The ordinances... are true, they are righteous altogether". While human laws can contradict each other, all of God's judgments are in complete harmony. The Midrash Tehillim explains that the six expressions of praise in these verses correspond to the six orders of the Mishnah and the Six Days of Creation, demonstrating that the Torah is the blueprint for the entire universe. This is the song of a soul that has discovered the ultimate treasure: a wisdom that restores, rejoices, and shines forever.#psalms #psalm #jewishtiktok #souloftorah #torahsoul - @souloftorah