תהלים, פרק קמ״ד, פסוק ט׳

Expressions of gratitude to God for deliverance from hardship are often joined by a promise to offer Him a unique song of praise. This heartfelt commitment to sing flows directly from the deep anticipation of salvation and rescue from enemy hands [מצודת דוד]. Although spoken by an individual voice, this singular expression actually captures the complete unity of the nation. This very unity acts as a powerful force that hastens God's rescue [אלשיך]. To further amplify and intensify the praise, the commitment to sing is repeated, pouring extra strength into the melody [מלבי״ם].

The promise centers on a completely new song, a concept understood in several distinct ways. Rather than a standard hymn of thanks for a natural deliverance, this new melody is reserved for an extraordinary, open miracle that shatters the ordinary laws of nature [מלבי״ם]. From another perspective, the newness reflects a sudden renewal of the wonders God performs for His people, emerging specifically after a dark period of profound despair [מאירי]. Looking further ahead, this song can also be viewed as a future anthem, waiting to be sung upon the ultimate redemption from exile and the final return of the Divine Presence [אלשיך].

This joyous thanksgiving is accompanied by a specific musical instrument, typically understood as a lyre featuring ten strings [מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ] or perhaps an instrument shaped like a leather pouch crafted with ten distinct holes [מאירי]. Some even understand the musical arrangement as referring to two separate instruments played together in harmony [מצודת דוד]. Beyond its physical form, the number ten carries deep symbolic weight. While an eight-stringed instrument represents the standard systems of nature and the celestial spheres, the number ten elevates the music, pointing toward much higher spiritual and intellectual realms [מלבי״ם]. Furthermore, playing upon an instrument of ten symbolizes the absolute perfection of the Divine. It serves as a musical prayer that God's Presence will remain in a state of complete, unbroken unity and never again depart into exile [אלשיך].