Amidora

Amidora · Library

Vayevarech David

Ashkenaz · Weekday · Shacharit · Pesukei Dezimra · Vayevarech David

Nusach
Ashkenaz
Edition
Translation based on the Metsudah linear siddur, by Avrohom Davis, 1981

Vayevarech David

The following selections are additions to the Pesukei Dezimrah. The custom of reciting them is mentioned as early as the Gaonic era, specifically by Rav Amram Gaon. The first four verses (1 Chronicles 29:10-13) relate David’s blessing to God, when he presented the gold, silver, and jewels he amassed for the construction of the Holy Temple. It was a day of great rejoicing as, following David’s example, the leaders and princes also presented generous gifts for the construction of the Temple. These verses were incorporated into our daily prayers because they speak so eloquently of God’s majesty, and of the Divine providence which is the source of the power, riches, might, and honor of all human beings.

There is a custom that the following until אַתָּה הוּא יְהֹוָה הָאֱלֹהִים should be said standing.

And David blessed Adonoy in the presence of all the assembly; and David said, Blessed are You, Adonoy, God of Israel, our father, forever and ever. Yours, Adonoy, is the greatness, the might, the glory the victory and the beauty, for all that is in heaven and on earth [is Yours]; Yours, Adonoy, is the kingdom and You are uplifted, [supreme] over all rulers. The riches and the honor come from You, and You rule over all; in Your hand are power and might, and [it is] in Your hand to bestow greatness and strength upon all. And now, our God, we give thanks to You and praise Your glorious Name.

David singles out Jacob because he was the first Patriarch to mention building a house of God (Genesis 28:22), “Then shall this stone which I have set for a pillar be God’s house.”—Radak

David thus renders unto God the greatness God has given him. His might in war, his victories in battle, and the majesty of his kingdom, are all due to God’s providence.—Iyun T’filah

I Chronicles 29:10-13.

Where it comes in the siddur

Texts and sources

Every prayer text in Amidora comes from openly licensed editions published on Sefaria. Only editions released under CC-BY, CC0 or the public domain are included.