Tehilim Perek 98

Hello everybody, I hope that you’re all doing well on this wonderful day. I’m Rabbi Shaya Sussman, covering the entire TANACH one perek at a time. Today’s NachDaily is Tehilim Chapter 98, continuing the chapters written by Moshe Rabbenu.

The Malbim notes that chapters 96 and 97 spoke about the hidden miracles that Hashem does through the sprouting of redemption, while this chapter and the next speak about His ability to change the world through miraculous means by shattering the so-called rules of creation.

Mashiach’s coming is a two-step process. I feel that this cannot be overstated. It starts slowly through seemingly non-miraculous means. This is synonymous with Mashiach ben Yosef, as it was Yosef who also rose to power over the course of many years through non-miraculous means. This ongoing process can be seen by the ingathering of the exiles and the rebuilding of Eretz Yisrael and Yerushalayim which is occurring in our days.

The second part will be when Hashem will shatter the creation and show His glory by revealing open miracles to the world, similar to what was done in Egypt. This is synonymous with Mashiach ben Dovid, the ultimate redeemer, who will usher in a new era and world order.

The perek opens by calling on us to sing a new song to God for all the wonders He’s done. The Ramad Walli explains that when the upper elevated lights reveal themselves, this will cause singing throughout the earth.

Hashem had recalled His nation with miracles and wonders. He shows His loving kindness to Am Yisrael. We will all raise our voices and shout out to Hashem for all the goodness He’s done for us. We’ll play string, percussion, and wind instruments and sound the shofar in happiness.

The perek ends by relating that the earth itself will sing joyously. The sea will thunder, rivers will clap their hands. God will judge the world in a righteous, fair manner.

The chapter opens with the words,

מִזְמ֡וֹר שִׁ֤ירוּ לַֽיהוָ֨ה ׀ שִׁ֣יר חָ֭דָשׁ כִּֽי־נִפְלָא֣וֹת עָשָׂ֑ה הוֹשִֽׁיעָה־לּ֥וֹ יְ֝מִינ֗וֹ וּזְר֥וֹעַ קָדְשֽׁוֹ׃

A psalm. Sing to God a new song, for He has worked wonders; His own right hand, His holy arm, has brought salvation.

The Alshich Hakodesh asks the reason for the reference to Hashem’s right Hand and His holy Arm.

He explains that God’s “stronger” right hand will embrace Am Yisrael. Not like during our exile when the Shechina in the galus and it seems as if Hashem is nowhere to be found. “Z’roah kadsho” is the left hand. The reference to both hands is because when Hashem takes us out of exile and brings the ultimate redemption, it will feel as if He is hugging Am Yisrael. Experiencing His love will cause us all to sing a new song to God.

Imagine feeling completely embraced by Hashem, knowing that He was constantly with you in a loving way.

May we merit feeling that embrace by seeing the revelation of Mashiach ben Dovid with our very own eyes.

Thank you for listening, and have a wonderful day.