דברי הימים ב, פרק כ׳, פסוק כ״ח

The triumphant return from the battlefield to Jerusalem and the House of God transforms into a grand celebration filled with music and song. As the joyous procession makes its way, the people play three distinct types of musical instruments. Commentators find deep symbolic meaning in this specific number, connecting the threefold music to key elements of their miraculous victory.

One approach suggests that the three instruments correspond directly to the three groups returning from the campaign: the men of Judah, the residents of Jerusalem, and King Jehoshaphat [רש״י]. Expanding on this numerical theme, the music also represents the three enemy nations of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir that were miraculously defeated [חומת אנך].

Another perspective links the three types of instruments to the three days the people spent gathering the vast amount of spoils left behind on the battlefield. Finally, this threefold expression of gratitude serves as a deeper reminder that the great salvation was achieved in the merit of the three Patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, whose legacy protected the people during their time of distress [חומת אנך].