In Halel (recited on Rosh Chodesh) we say the following:
אני עבדיך בן אמתך פתחת למוסרי
I am the servant, son of your servant. You have released my bondage.
This verse is perplexing at first glance. If the bondage has been released, then how is David HaMelech still claiming to be a servant. And what difference does it make that his mother was a servant as well?
Reb Menachem Medel of Vitebsk explains:
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| The Kever of R' Menachem Mendel in Teveria. He stated explicitly in his will that no praises should be inscribed on the tomb |
A servant of a wealthy person comes into contact with all of his master's possessions. How can the master ensure that the slave doesn't steal his riches and run away? Obviously, precautions need to be taken. However, this is not the case with a slave that is born into slavery. His life has always been that way and therefore he doesn't seek to return to a previous state of freedom like the first slave we mentioned. He doesn't know any other life and is thus trusted to roam the estate and handle his master's affairs with care. We don't need to tie him down and lock him in to prevent his escape.
This is what David HaMelech is saying. We explained in a different post that Hashem entrusted the Jewish people to mold history and take the reigns of the world. But how can He be sure that we won't run wild and make matters worse? "I am your servant, son of your servant. You have released my bondage." I have Avodas Hashem in my blood. I come from a lineage that finds its roots in the Avos HaKedoshim. And thus you have 'let me loose' to do with the world as I please, directing it towards the ultimate good through my learning, Davening and Mitzvos.
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