Chassidut on Tehillim 136 – Rabbi Mordechai of Neshchiz

Chassidut on Tehillim 136 – Rabbi Mordechai of Neshchiz

Mitzvot for the sake of honor or for the sake of Hashem Tehillim 136:19,20 - “Le-Sihon melekh ha-Emori, ki le'olam hasdo; ule-Og melekh ha-Bashan, ki le'olam hasdo”—(Sihon, king of the Amorites—for His kindness endures forever; Og, king of Bashan—for His kindness endures forever). The word “Sihon” is similar to “sichah” (conversation), while “Emori” is related to “emor” (to say). This refers to people who perform mitzvot and do good deeds so that others will speak about them and say that they are G-d-fearing. The word “Bashan” is similar to “busha” (shame)—one who does not perform mitzvot out of shame before people who la'agim—“Og” (mock) him. Moshe Rabbeinu stood against these two evil inclinations, declared war on them, and destroyed them. (based on the teaching of Rabbi Mordechai of Neshchiz)