Shirion - Israel Merkava Tank (Chariot) Psalm 18 - Limited Edition Giclee

Psalms 18:17: He delivered me from my strong enemy and from those who hated me.

18:30: Troop

18:31: Shield

18:35: He teaches my hands to war; A bow of brass is bent in my arms

18:38: I have pursued my enemies and overtaken them.

18:40: for Thou has girded me with strength to the battle.

This piece is dedicated to the many men and women who have fallen, giving their lives so that we may live.

May their memories be a blessing .

Psalms 18 is a prayer of David – a Song of Thanks that David sings to HaShem, G-d, for his delivery from the hands of all of his enemies. David depicts HaShem as He “rode upon a Kerub” and “did fly and soar on the wings of the wind.” “HaShem is a shield to those who trust in Him.”

David also sings that G-d girded him with strength and teaches his hands war so that a bow of brass is bent in his arms. HaShem has bolstered David with courage to do battle and lifted him above those who rose up against him; against the violent man. David sings praises to HaShem for his deliverance and for the steadfast love HaShem shows him, David, and “to his seed evermore.”

This tank is the “bow of brass” bent for the arms of the Israeli soldiers. This tank girds the Israeli Defense Force with strength, just as David was girded to do battle. It is a clear indication of military might, propelled by the One and Only G-d of Israel. Just as the “Kerub” soars on the wings of wind, the Merkava armored tank, with G-d’s guidance, bursts forward towards its mission and battle.

This seemingly simple, yet complex piece, represents Israel’s timeless struggle for true sovereignty. May we, the People of Israel, along with Tzahal – the Israeli Defense Forces – remain steadfast against our enemies, with HaShem forever and always guiding us, the “seed of David.” The number 18 in gematria, Jewish numerology, is “Chai” which means Life. There is a strong spiritual significance to the fact that this Psalm is chapter 18. This is a song of war, yet is also about the miracle of survival and life.

Ellen Miller Braun has written Psalms 18 in micro calligraphy three times to create this powerful piece. In “gematria” three repetitions are a “Chazaka” – which signifies strength and permanence. For this piece, the chazaka represents the miracle of the perpetuation of the Jewish People and the Jewish State. This miracle is given to us through the power and protection of HaShem. May we continue to sing HaShem’s praises. Amen.

Although written three times, Ellen enlarged the following segments and words once during the creation of the tank.