1)

When did David compose this Mizmor?

1.

Malbim: He prays to be saved from Ba'alei Leshon ha'Ra.

2)

Why does it say "Shir ha'Ma'alos"?

1.

Rashi: The Leviyim said this on the 15 steps that descend from Ezras Yisrael to Ezras Nashim; there are 15 Mizmorim of "Shir ha'Ma'alos." Radak (from Sukah 51a) (one for each step).

2.

Rashi citing Sukah 53a-b: He said them to raise the Tehom 1 .

3.

Rashi citing Yerushalmi Sanhedrin 10:2: It is Shir for 100 steps 2 .

4.

Radak citing Rav Sadya Gaon: These Mizmorim were said very loud, each louder than the previous.

5.

Radak: They express the hope of Bnei Galus to be Oleh (ascend) from Galus to Eretz Yisrael.


1

Radak citing Sukah 53b: When David was digging the foundations for the Mikdash, water from below threatened to flood the world. Achitofel wrote Hashem's name on earthenware and dropped it on the source; the water descended 16,000 Amos. David said 15 Shir ha'Ma'alos to raise it 15,000 Amos, lest it be too far from the ground.

2

Yerushalmi Sanhedrin 10:2: David dug 1500 Amos down to dig the foundations for the Mikdash. When he ascended, he said a Mizmor for each 100 Amos. (Pnei Moshe implies like this. Korban ha'Edah explains like Sukah 53b - refer to 120:1:2:2. -PF)

3)

Why does it say "El Hashem"?

1.

Malbim: In every affliction I called to Hashem, and He answered me. However, there is a greater Tzarah for which I cannot delay praying until it comes - the trap of schemers and slanderers. They cover their hatred with deceit.

4)

What Tzarah is discussed?

1.

Radak: It is the affliction of Bnei Galus. It is in the singular, corresponding to the Klal. The Tav is due to the great affliction. This is like Yeshu'asah - great salvation.

5)

Why does it say "va'Ya'aneni"?

1.

Radak: Past tense used in place of future; this is common in Nevu'ah (Radak (Yirmeyah 46:23) - for Nevu'ah for the future exists, as if it [already] came.)

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