והיה עקב תשמעון את המשפטים האלה ... (ז-יב)
The Baalei Mussar say that the expression "והיה עקב תשמעון" signifies that man needs to yield and demonstrate humility before Hashem. In this way, the Torah can reside in him and Hashem’s Name will cleave to his own, as it is written: “Words of Torah endure only with one who is humble.” (תענית ז.) The characteristics of humility and modesty belong to Hashem, for the fact that He is patient and does not rush to punish sinners demonstrates how modest He is.
Our Sages teach (אבות א-ב): “The world stands on three things: Torah, Avodah and Gemilas Chasadim (deeds of kindness).” Chacham Dovid Pinto Shlit’a explains that the basis and foundation of the world depends on Torah, the offering of sacrifices (replaced today by prayer), and deeds of kindness. According to this, we can readily understand why when Shlomo Hamelech completed the construction of the first Bais HaMikdash, the doors of the Temple would not open until they heard King David’s name. Shlomo built the Temple, where the Torah was located (represented by the Holy Aron and broken pieces of the Ten Commandments), and it was also where the korbonos were offered. The only thing missing was the third pillar, the deeds of kindness.
In his great humility, Shlomo evoked the third pillar - deeds of kindness - represented by his father, Dovid, who constantly devoted himself to others by helping Jews in all situations. He was deeply concerned about the material situation of his people and when he saw that Jews were experiencing difficulties, he instructed them to help one another. Dovid Hamelech’s attribute of kindness came on account of his tremendous sense of modesty. Indeed, as the leader of the Jewish people, he invested his energies into worrying about all their needs without feeling superior to them because of his privileged position. Now, when Shlomo Hamelech mentioned his father, a renowned symbol of the pillar of kindness, the doors immediately opened.
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