תהלים, פרק מ״ו, פסוק ד׳

The eruption of natural forces and cosmic storms serves as a powerful reflection of the immense energy of creation and the world's reaction to the force that drives it. The waters roar, storm, rage, and shake with tremendous violence [מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. While the primary approach among commentators is that these turbulent waters belong to the sea, an alternative opinion suggests they are the waters of a rushing river [מלבי״ם].

As the storm intensifies, the physical reaction of the water takes on different forms. One perspective suggests that the violent churning causes the water to become murky, drawing up thick mud and dirt from the deep ocean floor [רש״י, אבן עזרא, מצודת ציון, מצודת דוד, מאירי]. In a similar vein, the waters are seen as boiling and bubbling with intensity [רש״י]. A contrasting view envisions the waves rising with such force that they pile on top of one another like towering mountains, appearing to defy their very nature by standing like a solid wall [רד״ק, אלשיך]. Some commentators merge these ideas, suggesting the waters both churn up deep mud and rise into massive heaps [מלבי״ם].

The sheer force of this storm does not stop at the water but spreads across the earth, causing the very mountains to shake. This massive trembling is explained as the result of fierce winds, previously trapped beneath the earth, which God releases into the world [אבן עזרא].

The exact cause of the mountains shaking is a matter of discussion. The primary approach among commentators is that the mountains tremble before the ultimate greatness and majesty of God. This understanding offers a deep sense of comfort. Even in the face of global upheaval and the terrifying power of nature, people can trust in God and remain completely free from fear [רש״י, אלשיך, מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. However, another viewpoint suggests that the mountains shake simply from the sheer force and pride of the crashing sea itself [מאירי]. The scene concludes with a final affirmation, acting either as a musical notation or as a strong emphasis to declare that these events are truly and indeed happening [אבן עזרא, ביאור שטיינזלץ].