תהלים, פרק צ״ח, פסוק ז׳

The revelation of God's kingdom awakens a powerful, worldwide response, as all of creation joins together in a harmony of sound. This reaction of nature serves as a metaphor [רד״ק], acting like a grand musical accompaniment of singing and playing that surrounds the entire universe [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. The thunderous noise rising from the earth is seen by some as an outburst of pure joy [מצודת דוד], while others view it as an expression of deep trembling and shock in the face of His Divine presence [אבן עזרא].

This overwhelming sound bursts forth from the oceans and every living creature that fills them [מצודת דוד]. The storming of the waters is not a random occurrence, but rather an event deeply tied to historical memory. The sea remembers being parted during the Exodus from Egypt and eagerly waits for God to reveal His wonders once more, anticipating that He might split its waters anew [אלשיך, מלבי״ם].

The natural upheaval then spreads to the land and its inhabitants, focusing specifically on the settled areas where humanity dwells [מלבי״ם]. Normally, heaven and earth find constant joy in the predictable, general laws of nature. In this moment, however, the regular rules of the natural world are set aside. God's care becomes highly personal and directly focused on humanity, causing dramatic shifts within the inhabited world [מלבי״ם]. His profound holiness casts a deep awe over the physical realm [אלשיך], an overwhelming reverence that will ultimately bring about a time of complete peace across the entire earth [אבן עזרא].