137. Concerning this, David said: "Unless Hashem had been my help, my soul had almost dwelt in silence (Heb. Dumah)" (Tehilim 94:17). "Unless Hashem had been my help" MEANS that had HE not become David's keeper and guarded him FROM THE ANGEL DUMAH, David's "soul had almost dwelt with Dumah." Why does he say "had almost?" Because only the smallest distance, as narrow as a thin thread separated him from the Other Side. So "almost dwelt with Dumah." Was just the distance of a thin thread away, THE DISTANCE REMAINING FOR HIM TO BE WITH DUMAH IN GEHENOM.