chap 5 berachos 31a: in the verse it states that david established set time for for prayer, evening and morning and afternoon, we understand that there is an obligation to pray at those time.
why would the talmud say this when we pray at those times. abraham, isaac, and jacob prayed at those time that is why we pray at those times. could you please explain this to me more. I know they are talking about daniel in his times of praye but why would the talmud say we get this from david.
Stephen Goldenberg, baghdad, iraq
The Gemara is only proving that the three Tefilos that we Daven each day should be said on three different occasions, and not all in one sitting.
The Maharsha explains that in fact, the Gemara could have proved it from the fact that the Chachamim instituted three Tefilos each day, irrespective of whether it is because the Avos did so, or corresponding to the Avodah in the Beis Hamikdash (as was discussed above on Daf 26b). But it preferred to cite the Pasuk in Tehilim, which divides the three Tefilos more explicitly.
I'm not sure why he doesn't answer that a proof from a Pasuk is always preferable. (Even better, the Chachamim fixed three individual Tefilos based on the Pasuk in Tehilim.) Either way, your question is answered.
Be'Virchas Kol Tuv
Eliezer Chrysler