THE SONG OF THE SCORPION
The scorpion sings how Hashem’s mercy and kindness are upon all creatures.
[Song 80] Scorpion (Ch. 6)
עַקְרַב אוֹמֵר. טוֹב יְיָ לַכֹּל ו ְרַחֲמָיו עַל כָּל מַעֲשָׂיו: (תהילים קמה ט)
The Scorpion is saying, “Yah is good to all, and his mercy is upon all of his handiwork.”
Commentary
Scorpions are harmful creatures – some deadly – which will smite all that approach
them without hesitation. Nonetheless, Hashem’s care for all of His creatures
extends even to them. Furthermore, He fashioned them to be highly prolific,
commonly bearing up to sixty larvae at a time. The Zohar teaches that even
harmful pests such as scorpions which seem to contribute nothing to the world
serve purposes unknown to us, such as to punish the wicked. Therefore, cruel
scorpions paradoxically sing of Hashem’s kindness and mercy to all.
Hashem’s traits of compassion and kindness are also inherent traits of His nation.
The scorpion reminds us to spread our mercy even upon scorpion-like individuals,
barring the few exceptions where mercy may bring detrimental effects. The further
down mercy extends, the higher its song rises.
LIVING WITH THE SONG
There was once a couple that was bothered persistently by a particular poor man for meals and money. When they
moved they “forgot” to tell him. They received other visitors instead: scorpions. Extermination did nothing to stop
them. When R’ Chaim Pinchas Sheinberg was consulted he took out Perek Shira and showed them that song of the
scorpion implied performing kindness to all. They followed suit, inviting the beggar and sure enough, the scorpions
disappeared.
Is there anyone not worthy of being cared about? Indeed, all deserve sympathy as much we do.
Two of the three distinctive traits of the Jewish people: compassion and kindness. With a few exceptions where mercy
brings detrimental effects, by these traits we live.
Inspirational commentary By Shmuel Ben-Tzion Kraines author of
The Song of Existence.