Q. In Tanach, why is not Hashem’s love for Klal Yisroel expressed in present tense form. In Tehillim 146, the verb used to describe Hashem’s love for the righteous is present.
Serveral kiruv rechokim professionals and psychologists ask me: Can Malachi 1:2 be translated “I love you, says Hashem”? They explain, the directness of this powerful statement could very helpful.
A. The Tana D’bei Eliahu (26) interprets the posuk in Malachi in present tense and says “Hashem loves Yisroel in all their abodes.” So too is the Yidish translation (Ivry Taich) on Malachi. This present tense expression of the love of Hashem is common in other Medroshim and the Zohar (Yalkut Mishlei 946, Midrash Shir Hashirim 2:4, et. al.)
Actually, you have an even clearer expression of the constant love of Hashem to His people in Devarim (23: 6) “And Hashem… reversed the curse to a blessing, because Hashem… loves you”
Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit”a pointed out the posuk (Bereshis 48: 19) “Yoda'ati b’ni yoda'ati” (I know my son, I know) similar to “Hohavti” in Malachi, which is obviously said in present tense and other analogous examples. He also indicated that the second daily brocho of Krias Shema (evenings) “Ohev Amo Yisroel,” the One who loves His people,” is quite emphatically said in actual time.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit”a
Important Numbers
