My soul clings to the dust; give me life according to your word! When I told of my ways, you answered me; teach me your statutes! Make me understand the way of your precepts, and I will meditate on your wondrous works.

My soul melts away for sorrow; strengthen me according to your word. Put false ways far from me and graciously teach me your law. I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I set your rules before me, I cling to your testimonies, O LORD; let me not be put to shame!

I will run in the way of your commandments when you enlarge my heart!

Notice the force of the underlined phrase in the 1st paragraph. “MAKE me.” Doesn’t it jump out at you—it certainly does me. Our scribe is not pleading for understanding. He’s pleading for the LORD to take him in hand and transform him. He’s on his knees, begging for transformation.

Go through Daleth and put a check mark on every word or phrase that implies change/transformation. I get 11 or 12. We, like our scribe, need to be on our knees, pleading for the LORD’s favor.