תהלים, פרק צ״ו, פסוק י״א

The revelation of God's kingdom and justice brings about a grand vision of global unity, where all of creation joins in a song of joy. This massive celebration spans every dimension of nature, from the inanimate world to plants and animals [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. The primary approach among commentators is that this vivid scene is an allegory for the profound peace, security, and happiness that will eventually fill the world. It paints a picture similar to musicians eagerly going out to greet a king who is returning home from a distant journey [רד״ק, אבן עזרא, מצודת דוד, מאירי].

Within this celebration, there is a distinct difference between the reactions of the heavens and the earth. The heavens express a steady joy over a constant, permanent state, as they operate on a fixed natural order that never changes. In contrast, the earth experiences a fresh, renewed gladness. This is because the abundance on earth is always changing, renewing itself in response to human actions and God's guiding care over them [מלבי״ם]. In a practical sense, this joy means the heavens will provide their dew and the earth will successfully bring forth its crops [אבן עזרא].

As part of this universal celebration, the sea will also make a loud, roaring sound of praise [רש״י, מצודת דוד]. This mighty noise includes the fullness of the sea, representing all the fish and living creatures that dwell within its waters [רד״ק, מצודת דוד]. Another perspective suggests that this roar actually refers to the clouds that rise up from the ocean [אבן עזרא].

However, a contrasting view understands the roaring of the sea not as a sound of joy, but as an expression of fear and strict justice. According to this approach, even when humanity repents and the heavens and earth rejoice in God's abundant kindness, the sea will still tremble. This is because the spiritual guardian of the sea remembers the terror it experienced when God revealed Himself to split the Red Sea in the past. Additionally, the sea might roar out of sadness over the future hunting of the great Leviathan [אלשיך]. Finally, the roaring ocean may serve as a sobering reminder: while the heavens faithfully maintain their peaceful order, the sea constantly holds the potential to overflow and flood the world if humanity is found guilty in judgment [מלבי״ם].