THE SONG OF THE CLOUDS
The clouds sing of how darkness, too, can be a blessing.
[Song 16] Clouds (Ch. 2)
עָבִים אוֹמְרִים. יָשֶׁת חֹשֶׁךְ סִתְרוֹ סְבִיבוֹתָי ו סֻכָּתוֹ חֶשְׁכַת מַיִם עָבֵי שְׁחָקִים: (תהילים יח יב)
The Thick Clouds are saying, “He made darkness his secret place; His pavilion around him was dark with waters and thick clouds of the skies.”
Commentary
Clouds bear life-giving water. Paradoxically, the more water they contain, the
darker and gloomier they are, blocking the rays of the sun. Rain itself is a notorious
nuisance. The truth is that darkness and discomfort is a blessing in disguise. Were
one to live a life free of discomfort, he would become spoilt and would never reach
the heights of greatness and spiritual pleasure Hashem created him to reach. The
clouds sing that Hashem “places darkness ? His concealment” in order to discipline and educate.
When a person goes through a struggle and clouds form above him, one thing can
be known for sure: it’s going to rain. A wise man knows to see all of life for its
potential and maintain happiness at all times.
LIVING WITH THE SONG
A Jew has to be prepared to weather any storm and keep smiling. When one sees even the dark clouds of life as
voluminous ships of rain they become lined with silver. This gives vigor and courage to continue. Inner joy conquers
all, even physical maladies.
Inspirational commentary By Shmuel Ben-Tzion Kraines author of
The Song of Existence.