As we conclude another round of the twice daily recitation of Tehilim 27 - L'dovid Hashem Ori - at a time when our yom tov spirit is so dampened, we probably identified with many of the sentiments expressed by Dovid Hamelech more so than other years. The pasuk that associates this perek with sukkos certainly expressed the prayer in all our hearts throughout the yomim tovim, "Indeed He will protect me in His [Sukka] shelter on the day of evil; He will shelter conceal me in the recesses of His tent, He will lift me up on a rock".
In fact in an altogether different context the Yalkut in Parshas Emor says that the zechus of the mitzva of sukka will bring us divine protection. Why the mitzva of sukka more than any other mitzva? Explains the K'sav Sofer that through the mitzva of sukka one expresses one's bitachon in Hashem's protection, and one who is so keenly aware of it and open to appreciating it, will certainly merit it.
At the same time our experiences this Yom tov, must strengthen one of the age-old difficulties in understanding the central request of this perek, "One thing I asked from Hashem and that I shall seek - that I dwell in the House of Hashem all the days of my life, to behold the sweetness of Hashem and contemplate in His sanctuary." Should this really be the one request uppermost in Dovid Hamelech's mind - the leader of all Israel? Especially at times of war, would we not expect that the one responsible for the physical and spiritual welfare of our people, would plead with all his strength for our security, and wellbeing? Isn't yearning to be personally found in Beis Hamikdosh tantamount to neglecting his duties to the people to whom he was appointed?
Explains the Harav Chaim Friedlander in his widely acclaimed sefer, Sifsei Chaim, that certainly Dovid Hamelech's primary concern and focus was the responsibilities of his leadership, the security and spiritual and physical prosperity of his people. It is precisely for this that Dovid Hamelech is praying in his request to find himself in the House of Hashem. Indeed, Dovid Hamelech wants to be continuously aware of Hashem, and appreciative of His constant protection and guidance and is begging not only for physical sustenance but protection from the hubris that affects so many successful leaders as well. That is the "beis Hashem" in which he wants to travel at all times, be it in on the battlefield or in the palace courts.
This interpretation sheds light on another very difficult passage in the perek, "Though an army would besiege me, my heart would not fear; though war would arise against me, in this [b'zos] I trust". Exactly in what is Dovid Hamelech placing his trust? Many of the meforshim have pondered this suggesting various references in the surrounding pesukim. Perhaps we are to see "bezos" as referring to the entire sequence of pesukim that follow: "Indeed He will protect me in His [Sukka] shelter on the day of evil; He will shelter conceal me in the recesses of His tent, He will lift me up on a rock. Now my head is raised above my enemies around me and I will slaughter offerings in His Tent, accompanied by joyous song; I will sing praise to Hashem." Dovid Hamelech places his trust in the zechus that he will always see himself in the "beis Hashem", so that every moment of salvation that he experiences will give him opportunity to express his recognition of Hashem's protective wings. Similar to Yaakov Aveinu as he found himself in his most difficult time and defined for all time how we react be'es tzoro (Vayetze, 28:20-21) Dovid Hamelech promises that he will attribute any success to Hashem's mercy and love for him and Klal Yisrael.
In the zechus of our observance of the mitzva of sukka and all that it entails may we be speedily be zoche to joyously express our gratitude for His protection during this eis tzoro.