תהלים, פרק ס״ח, פסוק ט׳

God's appearance in the world provokes a fierce reaction across all dimensions of creation, which respond with shock and terror. When the earth quakes, some understand this as a physical event where every mound lowers and every valley rises to meet God's arrival [אלשיך, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Others view the trembling earth as a metaphor for the nations and inhabitants of the world, who shook with fear before Him [רד״ק, מצודת דוד, מאירי].

This profound shock extends to the upper worlds as well, causing the heavens to drip and flow [מצודת ציון]. Commentators offer different perspectives on the nature of this dripping. One approach suggests that the sky released water out of sheer awe of God [ביאור שטיינזלץ], or that it rained drops of anger and fear [אלשיך]. Another unique perspective views the heavens as a representation of the angels and heavenly princes; the dripping is actually the sweat pouring from them due to their overwhelming anxiety [מצודת דוד]. Conversely, the dripping can be seen as a metaphor for the clouds and darkness that descended upon the enemies of Israel to bring them hardship, while a bright light shone for the Israelites [רד״ק, מאירי].

These dramatic events are intimately tied to the revelation of the Torah. The primary approach among commentators is that just as the entire earth shook, Mount Sinai also trembled before God, or that the event simply refers to the same God who revealed Himself to the Israelites on that mountain. However, some highlight a sharp contrast between Mount Sinai and the rest of the world. While drops of anger fell everywhere else, this terror did not reach Sinai. There, God revealed Himself as the God of Israel to a nation waiting to accept His divinity [אלשיך]. Furthermore, the very name of the mountain is thought to be rooted in the concept of burning, indicating that the peak was ablaze with fire and radiant light [מאירי].