תהלים, פרק ע״א, פסוק כ״ג

Complete gratitude to God engages every layer of a person, uniting physical expression, musical instruments, and deep spiritual experience into a single song of redemption. The lips express pure joy and vocal song [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. The primary approach among commentators is that this singing of the lips does not happen in isolation. Instead, it blends smoothly with the playing of musical instruments. The physical shaping of words in the mouth happens alongside the melody of a stringed instrument [רש״י, אבן עזרא, מצודת דוד, המאירי]. There is a special significance in the fact that the lips, which are part of a physical, material body, are granted the privilege to sing and praise God [אלשיך].

However, praise is not merely an outward action of the body and its instruments; there is a profound connection between the internal and the external. The commentators agree that the singing of the lips is accompanied by the singing of the soul, creating a perfect harmony between the heart and the mouth. The praise bursts forth from the depths of the heart with genuine intention, rather than just being empty words spoken outward [רד״ק, מלבי״ם, המאירי]. The soul participates in the song in a way that matches its spiritual nature [מצודת דוד]. Redemption is attributed specifically to the soul because it is the central force that rules over the entire body [אבן עזרא].

Regarding the exact nature of this redemption experienced by the soul, there are a few perspectives. Some explain it simply as being saved from a time of trouble [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Others view it as a broader redemption from exile. When a person is in exile, their heart is unsettled, and their soul is unable to receive the divine spirit required to truly sing [רד״ק]. Taking a different perspective, another approach suggests a reverse relationship between singing and redemption: the very act of singing to God is what actually redeems and purifies the soul [אלשיך].