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Understanding the Verse “Shiviti Hashem Le’negdi Tamid”
Wednesday, 22 April, 2026
The Rama (Rav Moshe Isserles, Poland, 1530-1572) begins his glosses to the Shulhan Aruch by citing the Rambam's comments in Moreh Nebuchim regarding the verse in Tehillim (16:8), "Shiviti Hashem Le'negdi Tamid" – "I have placed G-d opposite me, always." The Rambam describes this verse as "Kelal Gadol Ba'Torah U'b'ma'alot Ha'sadikim Asher Holechim Lifnei Ha'Elokim" – "a great principle of the Torah and of the qualities of the righteous who walk before G-d." He explains that a person acts much differently in private than he does in the presence of a king, and thus if a person lives with the awareness that he is always in G-d's presence, and that G-d sees everything he does, even when he is alone, he will avoid sin and always conduct himself properly. The Rama brings this passage at the very beginning of the Shulhan Aruch because if a person lacks Yir'at Shamayim – fear of G-d – then learning this book will not help him. The Shulhan Aruch establishes for a person what he must do and must not do, but if a person does not live with fear of Hashem, and does not recognize that he is held accountable for all his actions, then there is no purpose served by learning about his religious responsibilities. The verse discussed by the Rambam in this passage begins with the word "Shiviti," which is commonly translated as "I place," but could also be understood as a derivative of the word "Shaveh" – "equal." Some have thus explained this verse to mean that our awareness of Hashem's presence and His Hashgaha (providence) must remain "equal" and consistent at all times. It is relatively easy to sense Hashem's watchful eye when things are going well, when we enjoy good fortune, but this becomes more difficult in times of hardship and distress. "Shitivi Hashem" means that we fully acknowledge Hashem's presence at every moment, and that He guides and directs the course of our lives at every step, under all circumstances, both in good times and in life's more difficult periods. As the Mishna in Masechet Berachot (54a) famously teaches, we must bless Hashem upon experiencing misfortune just as we bless Him in times of good fortune. This might also explain why this verse speaks of Hashem being present "Le'negdi" – "opposite me." Rather than say that G-d is "Lefanai" – "before me," this verse chooses the word "Le'negdi," which connotes opposition. One explanation is that we must acknowledge Hashem's presence and live in humble submission to His will even when it appears that He is "opposing" us, that He is causing us misfortune. We believe that everything Hashem does – even that which causes us pain and distress – is ultimately to our benefit, and so even when He appears "Le'negdi," in opposition, we must continue placing our trust in Him and serving Him faithfully. Others explain the word "Le'negdi" as a reference to the need to occasionally oppose our natural instincts. Living with an awareness of Hashem's presence leads us to self-restraint, to abstain from things we instinctively wish to do in submission to Hashem's command. And thus Hashem's presence is "Le'negdi," causing us to oppose ourselves, our sinful tendencies, so we live in strict accordance with His will at all times.
