יראי ה' בטחו בה' (הלל)
How does one understand this group called יראי ה' ? The previous verses refer to groups that trust in HaShem as Yisrael and the Bais Aharon. And in Tehillim 135, in a similar language, the group called יראי ה' as blessing HaShem, and yet prior verses refer to groups that bless HaShem include the House of Yisrael, the House of Leviim, the House of Cohanim. The groups of Yisrael, Leviim, and Cohanim are not included in the group of “fearers of HaShem”?
The Ibn Ezra indicates that this group of יראי ה' comes to include righteous of the non-Jews.
Rashi explains that this group comes to include the converts to Judaism. This is possible to understand according to the Gemara (Kidushin 70b) that converts are difficult to the Jews since (according to Tosfos) the converts are very particular in mitzvos even more that the born Jews. The Jews, already in a state of being close to HaShem, wait for HaShem to draw them close (inspire them). Alternatively, converts make the steps to draw close to HaShem and are later rewarded by close relationship with HaShem due to their initial efforts. Thus, we can understand why converts have the special title of יראי ה'.
Even more, converts have advantages over born-Jews. Born-Jews are born in a Jewish home, filled with talk and action regarding Torah and Mitzvos. Thus, it is not due to great effort that such a person grows up with faith and awe of HaShem. This is seen from the verse in Parsha HaAzinu שאל אביך ויגדך, a person can ask one’s parents for guidance. Thus, the born-Jew has much assistance in their spiritual growth. (This assistance is included in the concept of (זכות אבות A convert’s growth is due mostly to their own efforts.
