Tehillim 149 and the 248 words of Shema
Tehillim 149 and the distribution of the 248 words of Shema
- Romemot El bigrotam, vecherev pifiyot beyadam» - (Praise of G-d is in their mouths, and a double-edged sword is in their hands). (Tehillim 149:6)
This refers to the prayer of Shema. Shema contains 248 words רמח. This prayer possesses great power, capable of destroying Israel’s enemies—the kelipot (shells of impurity)—and it serves Israel as a spear— רמח—and a sword, with which to pierce and strike down its enemies: “Praise of G-d is in their mouths, and a double-edged sword is in their hands.”
That is why it is said of Pinchas: “And he took a spear רמח in his hand.” (Numbers 25:7)
The Sages explain that the spear רמח represents the merit of the 248 words of the Shema prayer; with their help, he prevailed over the sitra achra (the other side).
The number 248 is distributed throughout the Shema prayer as follows:
- שמע ישראל – (Hear, O Israel) – 6 words;
- ברוך שם כבוד מלכותו לעולם ועד – (Blessed is the Name of the glory of His kingdom forever and ever) – 6 words;
in the section: ואהבת – (and you shall love) – 42 words;
in the section: והיה אם שמוע (and it will be, if you hearken) – up to ושמתם (and you shall place) – 72 words;
in the section: from ושמתם to the words ויאמר (and He said) – 50 words;
in the section: ויאמר – 69 words;
A total of 245 words, plus 3 words repeated by the cantor, making 248 altogether. This is precisely the number of organs in the human body, corresponding to the commandments requiring positive action.
The number 248 contains profound significance; therefore, it is important to recite every word without omitting any.
One who recites Shema at home without a minyan should say the concluding words: “הי אלהיכם אמת” - (The L-rd your G-d is truth) twice, so that the number of words equals 248; however, a minyan is not required.
(Ben Ish Chai, Code of Torah Law – Shemot)
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Tags: The Hidden Meaning of Tehillim, Ben Ish Chai, Tehillim 149, 248 Mitzvot, Shema
