A Cup of Trembling

Gaza: 7th of Tevet, 5769

Psalms 83: 14-19: “O my G-d, make them like the whirling dust; as stubble before the wind. As the fire that burneth the forest, and as the flame that setteth the mountains ablaze; So pursue them with Thy tempest, and affright them with Thy storm. Fill their faces with shame; that they may seek Thy name, O L-RD. Let them be ashamed and affrighted for ever; yea, let them be abashed and perish; That they may know that it is Thou alone whose name is the L-RD, the Most High over all the earth.”

Yet, “saith the L-rd G-D, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live” (cf. Ezekiel 33:11).