תהלים, פרק קכ״ו, פסוק ג׳

The moment of ultimate redemption brings not only global awe but a profound, personal response from the people of Israel. Their declaration of agreement and thanksgiving flows as a direct continuation of the surrounding nations marveling at their salvation. They recognize that God has acted on their behalf far beyond what they deserved and beyond any possible expectation [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. His interventions are nothing short of true miracles [מאירי]. The sheer power of this redemption strikes a particularly deep chord for those who lived through the hardships of exile without seeing any good. For these individuals, the magnitude of God's deeds feels overwhelmingly immense and tangible [אלשיך].

The experience of joy tied to this salvation is understood in different ways, particularly regarding when this joy actually takes place. Prophetic visions often describe future events as if they have already happened [מאירי]. Following this idea, the joy is a direct response to the future redemption: when the people finally witness God's greatness and wonders, they will be filled with an endless, overwhelming happiness [אבן עזרא, אלשיך]. On the other hand, another perspective suggests that this profound joy was actually present during the dark days of the exile itself. In this view, the Israelites are responding to the amazed nations by declaring that their absolute, unwavering trust in the promised salvation kept them filled with joy even while they were still enslaved [מצודת דוד].