We see in the Scriptures the detail in G-d’s commitment to His Bride, His Beloved Israel as is written in Ezek.16:8, “Again I passed by and saw you, and behold, you were truly at the time of love. I spread the corner of my garment over you and covered your nakedness. I swore to you and entered into a covenant with you, says ADONAI. “So you became Mine”.
And it goes on to say, that the Lord washes and anoints Israel; dresses her in beautiful clothing and then adorns her with fine jewelry and finishes with these words (Ezek. 16:14): “Your fame spread among the nations because of your beauty, through My splendor which I bestowed on you. It is a declaration of ADONAI”.
These verses are truly remarkable for all the minutae of details of G-d ‘s attention and care for His people. He truly sees us, He protects us, He understands us, He sanctifies us, He even spoils us, all in living color. For it is Adonai who wooed and pursued His Bride, Israel, but this relationship would be frayed and broken resulting in much hurt as He was rejected by His people.
4. But in a wonderful moment in time, in Ps. 121: 1-8, the Psalmist perhaps responds for Israel and acknowledges God in adoring ways and in beautiful words in the Song of Ascents.
“I will lift up my eyes to the mountains- from where does my help come? My help comes from Adonai, Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip. Your Keeper will not slumber. Behold, the Keeper of Israel neither slumbers nor sleeps. Adonai is your keeper. Adonai is your shadow at your right hand. The sun will not strike you by day, nor the moon by night. Adonai will protect you from all evil. He will guard your life. Adonai will watch over your coming and your going from this time forth and forevermore”.
As you know, this love affair between God and His people has been topsy turvy. It has been marked by infidelity and selfishness on Israel’s part. It has also been marked by many reconciliations when the Hebrews have cried out for help as God has forgiven His beloved countless times, rescuing Israel time and time again. For we became affianced to the Holy One on Mount Sinai over a cloud representing a canopy of marriage and love. And despite the present fractured relationship by Israel towards God, there will one day be a remarriage of the Bride and the Lamb.
So as Valentine’s Day approaches, it is a time for lovers to enjoy the spouse that they have committed their lives to. And for couples who struggle, it is perhaps a moment of healing and reconciliation. For others who are dating, it is the excitement of the possibility of what lies ahead in their lives. Yet for others, it is the heartbreak of love lost or love that was broken and for still others, it is the longing of a Valentine still yet to be. So for many, it is a special day in time but for others, it is an achy breaky heart.
it is those who belong to the Holy One, Jews and non-Jews alike, who want the same thing and that is someone who gets us, someone who prizes us, who understands us and won’t reject us. And is it not our God who has proven time and time again that He pursues us, despite knowing everything about us. And despite our endless sins, He meets us with His endless love. And when we turn or return our hearts to Him, He then launches us towards a renewed, godly life.
So as we wake up on Valentine’s Day and we reflect on what we have or don’t have in our present lives – let us remember that while we can treasure the love of others in this world; that the heart being pierced by cupid’s arrow cannot replace the love for the Bride that arose from His pierced side. For He is indeed our eternal Valentine.
Baruch HaShem!