תהלים, פרק פ״ז, פסוק ז׳

Psalms 87:7Sefaria

וְשָׁרִ֥ים כְּחֹלְלִ֑ים כׇּֽל־מַעְיָנַ֥י בָּֽךְ׃ {פ}

A grand celebration of praise, joy, and absolute devotion captures the deep bond between the people, God, and Jerusalem. The primary approach among commentators views this scene as a vibrant musical festival where vocalists are joined by other joyous participants. Some identify these companions as dancers [רש״י, ביאור שטיינזלץ, מלבי״ם], while others see them as musicians playing flutes [רד״ק, מצודת ציון, מצודת דוד]. In typical earthly celebrations, vocalists are far outnumbered by dancers, but in Zion, the singers are exceptionally numerous, perfectly matching the dancers in scale [אבן עזרא].

A different perspective connects this joyous gathering to the miraculous splitting of the Red Sea, highlighting a profound spiritual equality. In this view, the singers represent the men, while the accompanying group represents the women who celebrated with tambourines and dances. This reveals that the women reach the exact same spiritual heights as the men when offering songs of gratitude to God [אלשיך]. Although the women are described using masculine terms, this subtly teaches that in an environment filled with the awe of God's presence and intense holiness, everyone shares in pure, unified worship without any concern for improper thoughts [חומת אנך].

The actual content of their song reveals the true focus of their passion. Commentators offer two main ways to understand what the people are dedicating. The first approach understands this as an offering of the mind and soul. The people declare that all their thoughts, intentions, hopes, and desires are entirely focused on the Divine [רד״ק, מצודת ציון, מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ], meaning their deepest inner being is directed upward [רש״י].

The second approach envisions a flowing spring of water. The human heart is compared to a natural spring, constantly bubbling over with songs and praises [רד״ק]. Just as a spring flows without interruption, their joy is endless and continuous [אבן עזרא]. Furthermore, Zion itself serves as the ultimate source, the wellspring from which all the triumphs and virtues of the Israelites flow [מלבי״ם].

The target of this intense devotion is understood in two complementary ways. It is a direct address to God, longing for His salvation [רש״י, אלשיך], as well as a loving call to Jerusalem, the joy of the earth and the ultimate center of hope [ביאור שטיינזלץ, מלבי״ם]. Ultimately, the entire nation stands united as a single person, proudly announcing that their entire existence and focus are devoted to this ultimate source of holiness [אלשיך].

נעזרתם בפירוש שלנו ומצאתם בו ערך?

עזרו לנו להגדיל תורה ולהאדירה. תחזוקת האתר והשבחת התוכן כרוכות בהוצאות מרובות. תרומה קטנה שלכם תסייע לנו להחזיק את הפלטפורמה ותהפוך אתכם לשותפים מלאים בהנגשת חוכמת המקרא.

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