Some Biblical lessons relevant to the Superbowl

Some Biblical lessons relevant to this Sunday

(I owe my colleague Andy Koren for a lot for this inspiration!)

In the Hebrew bible, horses are not well thought of. So often they are the symbol of ruthless political power and oppression. Consider the following verses:

Exodus 15:1. The horse and his rider has he thrown into the sea. Exodus 15:19. For the horse of Pharaoh went in with his chariots and with his horsemen into the sea. Exodus 15:21. And Miriam answered them, Sing to the Lord, for he has triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider has he thrown into the sea. Amos 2:15. Nor shall he who rides the horse save himself. Zechariah 12:4 .
On that day, says the Lord, I will strike every horse with panic. Proverbs 12: 31. The horse is prepared for the day of battle; but safety comes from the Lord. Deut 17:16. But he (the king) shall not multiply horses to himself, nor cause the people to return to Egypt. Joshua 11: 6. You shall lame their horses, and burn their chariots with fire.

Now the definition of a colt is “A young male animal of the horse family.”

In the Hebrew bible, we often find the word “Righteous” as a noun in either a singular or plural form. The Hebrew words are “Tzadik” or “Tzadikim.”

Consider the following verses:

Psalms 97:11. Light is sown for the righteous. Isaiah 3:10. Say to the righteous, that it shall be well with him. Psalm 64:4. But let the righteous be glad. Psalm 92:13. The righteous flourish like the palm tree. Psalm 140:14. Surely the righteous shall give thanks to your name. Psalm 146:8. The Lord loves the righteous;

Certainly although Judaism does not have the concept of a “saint,” people who are righteous may be called “saintly.” This the word Tzadik could be translated as “saint” and Tzadikim as “saints.”
Consider also the following verse: Genesis 1:2. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And a wind (ruach) from God moved upon the face of the waters.

In English, the word Ruach could be translated as “Brees.” I am not sure if the “waters” are Miami or New Orleans.

There will be some who understand the “profound” significance of the above.

However, before one should take this to the bank, one would also do well to remember that some have read Psalm 26:9-10 “ Do not gather my soul with sinners, nor my life with bloody men. In whose hands is mischief, and their right hand is full of bribes” as referring to gamblers and those who make wagers.

The final caveat is to remember the immortal words of Rabbi Pinchas who was said to live at the “end of the town” when he wrote: “Then I'll get on my knees and pray. We don't get fooled again.”