Yehi kevod explained

Yehi kevod (Hebrew: יְהִי כְבוֹד|lit=[God] will be honored) is a prayer recited daily during pesukei dezimra prior to Ashrei. The prayer is a representation of God's exaltation in both the heavens and the earth.^[1]

The succession Yehi kevod has with Ashrei is significant: it symbolizes the connection of an inner relationship in which God as a helper and comforter whose loving-kindness is ever near us.^[2]

The Ashkenazi version has 18 verses. The number 18 is significant, and is constant throughout prayer.^[3] Also, God's name is mentioned in the prayer 21 times, alluding to the 21 verses in Ashrei.^[4]

The first half of the prayer describes God as the master of nature. The second half describes God as the master of history.^[5]

Verses

Yehi Khevod consists of the following verses in the following order:^[6]

• Psalm 104

31

• Psalm 113

2-4

• Psalm 135

13

• Psalm 103

19

• Chronicles I: 16:31
• Psalm 10

16

• Psalm 92

1

• Exodus 15:18
• Psalm 10

16

• Psalm 33

10

• Proverbs 19:21
• Psalm 33

11

• Psalm 33

9

• Psalm 132

13

• Psalm 135

4

• Psalm 94

14

• Psalm 78

38

• Psalm 20

09

• Yemenite Judaism also inserts Psalm 46:12.

Notes and References

1. Jewish and Christian liturgy and worship: new insights into its history and ... By Albert Gerhards, Clemens Leonhard, page 75
2. The World of Prayer: Commentary and Translation of the Siddur By Elie Munk, pages 93-94
3. The World of Prayer: Commentary and Translation of the Siddur By Elie Munk, page 33
4. To pray as a Jew: a guide to the prayer book and the synagogue service By Hayim Halevy Donin, page 173
5. The World of Prayer: Commentary and Translation of the Siddur By Elie Munk, pages 94-95
6. Jewish liturgy and its development By Abraham Zebi Idelsohn, page 82