This week, our Torah reading is from Genesis 47:28-50:26.  It is called Parashat Yayechi.  Here is a brief commentary from Baruch:

The connection between this week’s Torah reading and the reading from the prophets (I Kings 2:1-12) is obvious—both Jacob and King David are nearing death. Both men end their lives by blessing their son(s). This brief article will focus on what David told Solomon at the beginning of his counsel to him. David says,

“I am going in (the) way of all the earth, be strong and be a man.” I Kings 2:2

Notice that there is no sorrow in David’s words, for he realizes that what is going to happen to him happens to everyone. Even though David was an important individual, he knew that his important position did not make him any different than any other human being—death comes to all. How one handles death says a great deal about one’s spirituality. David did not struggle to accept the fact that his time to die had come.  On the contrary, he accepted it and thought about what he could do to assist his son Solomon, who would rule after him.

The important thing to see here is that his death revealed why G-d had chosen him to be king in the first place. David had the ability to see that he was not the main thing, but that there was something of greater importance. What was that? It is the work of the L-rd. One needs to understand that he or she exists not for oneself, but to serve in the L-rd’s plans and purposes for the world. The attitude that one should possess is found in one of David’s Psalms,

“What is man that you remember him, the son of man that you visit him?” Psalm 8:4

David understood what man is and what should be the focus of one’s life, for he says to Solomon “be strong and be a man“. From the context of this section (see I Kings 2:3-4), it is most clear that obeying the Word of G-d is how an individual should utilize his time upon earth. One should not think in terms of the amount of time, but did one manage the time faithfully. This is what David is admonishing Solomon to do. In other words, do not ask, did I have a good life? Rather ask was I obedient to the tasks that the L-rd placed before me?

Although Solomon did not always respond appropriately to the L-rd’s will, he did learn the lesson towards the end of his life when he wrote,

“The final matter of everything is heard; fear G-d, keep His commandments, for this is the essence of man.  For everything G-d will bring to judgment even that which is hidden, whether it be good or evil.“    Ecclesiastes 12:13-14

Today one hears sayings such as, “It is all about you” or “you are special”. These sayings place the emphasis upon a person rather than upon G-d. It is not so much that I am unique, but I have been given a unique call by G-d. People will often respond and say, but does not the Scripture say that I am wonderfully made? Yes, in Psalm 139. But the point of the verse is to honor the Creator and not the creation. If the focus becomes how wonderful I am because of how I was made, then you have erred. Remember the verse says,

“I will thank You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made…”  Psalm 139:14