תהלים, פרק צ״ח, פסוק ח׳

A vivid picture emerges where all of nature unites in immense joy to welcome God. The imagery of clapping hands evokes the physical expression of dancers and joyful people striking their palms together in celebration [רד״ק, מצודת ציון, מצודת דוד].

The primary approach among commentators is that the idea of rivers clapping is a poetic metaphor using human terms. While bodies of water lack physical hands, the prophets borrow human expressions to convey a deep, profound sense of joy [רש״י, רד״ק, מצודת דוד]. From a more descriptive standpoint, the gentle, rhythmic sound of a flowing river naturally mimics the sound of clapping hands, contrasting sharply with the loud roaring of a stormy sea [ביאור שטיינזלץ].

Moving beyond a strict metaphor of nature, some explain that the joy actually belongs to the people sailing in ships upon these waters [אבן עזרא]. On a symbolic level, the rivers represent the four great empires that historically ruled the earth. Rather than trembling before divine judgment, these nations will clap their hands in genuine happiness as they gladly transition under the rule of God [אלשיך]. Conversely, another perspective suggests this describes actual, miraculous changes that God will perform in the physical nature of rivers, echoing the historical miracles seen at the Jordan River and the streams of Arnon [מלבי״ם].

The celebration intensifies as the mountains unite in a shared song [מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Following the earlier themes, the singing mountains can be understood as representing the human beings who live upon them [אבן עזרא]. Alternatively, they symbolize the heavenly princes of the nations, adding their voices to the chorus from the skies above [אלשיך]. This entire awakening of the rivers and mountains occurs in anticipation of the arrival of God. He is coming to judge the world directly, without any intermediaries, guided entirely by the laws of fairness and justice [מלבי״ם].