Let the Field and Trees Exult Before the Judge

"Let the field exult" (Psalms 96:12), this is the world, as it is written, "And it came to pass when they were in the field" (Genesis 4:8). "And all that is in it" (Psalms 96:12), these are the creatures, as you say, "The earth is the LORD's, and its fullness" (Psalms 24:1). "Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy" (Psalms 96:12), and it is written "all the trees of the forest" (1 Chronicles 16:33). Rabbi Aha said, "the forest" refers to the trees that bear fruit, and "all the trees of the forest" refers to the trees that do not bear fruit. Before whom? "Before the LORD" (Psalms 96:13). Why? "For He comes" (Psalms 96:13), on the New Year and on the Day of Atonement. To do what? "To judge": "He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples in His faithfulness" (Psalms 96:13).