Gimel is the third letter of the Hebrew alphabet. ג It is thought to look like a man running; as a symbol, it's thought to be a rich man running after a poor man to give him charity. It also represents the giving of punishment and reward. Our g-word, our beginning word of this section, gamal, means to deal bountifully or generously with....
The psalmist is asking the Teacher to be generous with him, so he can live and learn successfully. He asks for powerful and effective lessons that open his eyes to everything around him. The author admits that he's a newcomer and has lots to learn, which he longs to do. The Teacher is stern with the class bullies who upset the classroom. But this student needs the compassion of the Teacher, as it seems like he's taking the brunt of their insults. These fellow students may think they are the "big men on campus", and they conspire against him; but the author has determined to focus on his studies, and the delight they bring him.
We've all witnessed bullying in some form. The bully is usually arrogant and often has learned this behavior from others. When we think through this section as if it's a classroom setting, we can see how it plays out--the bully plots his next antics, thinking the teacher is oblivious. The target of the bullying sits and waits for the next attack. The Teacher, in His wisdom, is not a bit oblivious to the shenanigans and He punishes the bully. But this author, as the poor victim, needs the Teacher, the one in charge, the Rich Man, to run after him, and give him charity. And God, our compassionate, all-knowing Teacher, does just that. Let the Rescuing Love of God give us delight and consume us with longing to know more.
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