THE SONG OF THE GRASSHOPPER
The Orchard Bird sings that Hashem created remedies for every situation; we just have to look for them.
[Song 50] Grasshopper (Ch. 4)
חָסִיל אוֹמֵר. יי אֱלֹהַי אַתָּה אֲרוֹמִמְךָ אוֹדֶה שִׁמְךָ כִּי עָשִׂיתָ פֶּלֶא עֵצוֹת מֵרָחוֹק אֱמוּנָה אֹמֶן: (ישעיה כה א)
The Locust is saying, “Hashem, you are my elo'ah; I will exalt you, I will praise your Name; for you have done wondrous things; Your counsels of old are faithfulness and truth.”
Commentary
The Tzippores Kramim, literally the “Orchard Bird” is actually an unidentified
Kosher locust which was sought for its unique medicinal qualities, and in
particular as an intellectual stimulant and memorization aid.
It sings the hope
of those that seek it, “From where will my help come?” Ultimately, a Jew
realizes that his help is from the One and Only God, as the subsequent verse
indeed continues, “My help is from Hashem”. However, when there is a
practical solution, one cannot rely on prayer alone.
When we rely wholly upon Hashem, but at the same time, utilize the tools He
provides, we bring Hashem’s blessing into our world, and give expression to
the song of the Orchard Bird.
LIVING WITH THE SONG
A Jew prays habitually and naturally for divine assistance for all of his endeavors. At the same time, he usually
knows how he plans on succeeding. However, there are times when there is apparently no help at all in the horizon.
Then his prayer rises an octave.
It is at such a time the song of the Tzipporess Keramim joins the orchestra of the world, in a singularly high pitch.
Inspirational commentary By Shmuel Ben-Tzion Kraines author of
The Song of Existence.