Chapter 3:7-8

Here is Solomon’s bed,
Surrounded by sixty warriors,
The heroes of Israel,
Each of them skilled in battle,
Each with a sword on his thigh
Against the terror of night.

On my Death-bed, I am reminded
that I am well-guarded,
and honored by all the love I have given.
The sword of Truth is brandished in protection of all I cherish,
It is wielded now against the terror of Night,
against the terror of Not-Being.

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In the Fever of Love ©2008 Shefa Gold. All rights reserved.

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Practice

Chant: Against the Terror of Night

Commentary

I hold the sword of Truth close, in the moments I may need to cut through the illusions of separateness, finitude, isolation. In moments when I am paralyzed by the terror of night, the terror of not seeing a way forward, I need to find my strength, my vision, my powerful imagination, and my courage. Then, I can relax my heart, release my fears and enter this night with a confident song. This is what it means to be a spiritual warrior.

Bridge to Torah

The Torah of Tetzaveh calls us into our power. As we adorn ourselves with the beauty of and colors of the Mishkan, we are illuminated by the light of the eternal flame, and consecrated in service to Shechina, the indwelling Presence of the Divine in our lives. We are called to guard, lift up and celebrate that holiness, with a fierce love and a commitment to truth.

Click to see Exodus 27:20–30:10 in Hebrew and English (JPS 1985) or the associated Torah Journeys page.

Question for Contemplation

Can I find my fierce love and wield the sword of truth in protection of all that I cherish?

Resources

View Love at the Center Resources.
Click to see Song of Songs Chapter 3:7-8 in Hebrew with the English JPS (1985) translation.