תהלים, פרק ע״ו, פסוק ה׳

In moments of severe crisis and war, God reveals Himself with overwhelming glory and absolute power against threatening forces. His arrival brings a profound mix of illumination and rescue for Israel, paired with an uncompromising strength that brings even the greatest enemies to their knees.

The primary approach among commentators is that God's presence is characterized by a radiant, non-physical light and honor [אבן עזרא]. When the hearts of the people are darkened by trouble and despair, God brings joy and illumination, saving Israel openly and brightly [רד״ק, מצודת דוד, המאירי]. Historically, this was evident during the downfall of Sennacherib's army, which occurred in the dead of night. God requires no external light; He Himself illuminates the darkness when He goes forth to strike the enemy [מלבי״ם]. However, other perspectives suggest this divine revelation is defined by a violent shaking, as God sweeps and removes the enemies from the world [רש״י]. Alternatively, His appearance is deeply rooted in awesomeness, inspiring immense fear and reverence [אלשיך].

Accompanying this revelation is an expression of pure, unyielding strength [מצודת ציון]. This immense power is often compared to high, inaccessible mountains that harbor dangerous beasts of prey [אבן עזרא, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Commentators offer different ways to understand this fierce imagery. One view suggests that these threatening mountains represent the enemies themselves. Terrifying armies, such as Sennacherib's, may appear as towering, predatory giants, but against God's might, their power is completely nullified and vanishes [רש״י, מצודת דוד].

Conversely, the predatory imagery can be seen as a description of God Himself. In this view, God acts like a mighty lion emerging in the night from His mountain dwelling to strike down the enemies laying siege to Mount Zion [רד״ק, מלבי״ם, המאירי]. A final, unique perspective connects this display of power to the destruction of the Temple, highlighting God's profound mercy within His anger. His true awesomeness was revealed when He poured His wrath upon the wood and stones of the Temple rather than the people. By breaking the weapons of the enemies, He prevented them from completely devouring the Israelites. This extraordinary ability to suppress His anger and save His people is considered an even greater display of might than His historical conquests over the kings of Canaan in the mountainous regions of the land [אלשיך].