Isaiah's Song

Midrash Tehillim turns to Isaiah's Song.

The Midrash (rabbinic interpretive commentary) makes a fascinating point using the analogy of a kingdom. Who praises the king first? It's the inner circle, "the sons of the palace," those closest to the throne. Only then do "the sons of the province," the people further out, offer their praise. Similarly, the Midrash explains that praise first arises from the heavens before it echoes from the earth. "Praise God from the heavens," the verse implores, before extending the invitation to the rest of creation.

Who in the heavens offers praise first? According to the Midrash, it’s the greatest among them. And who are these great ones? The sea monsters! The tanninim (תַּנִּינִים), as they're called in Hebrew. (Genesis 1:21) tells us that "God created the great sea monsters." Because of their primordial nature, they are first in line to sing God's praises. So, we are told, "Sea monsters and all depths" should praise Him.

The text then takes us into the mysterious depths of the ocean. How many depths are there, truly? Unfathomable. (Proverbs 8:24) reminds us, "When there were no depths I was brought forth." And (Exodus 15:5) states, "The depths covered them." The Midrash emphasizes the unknown, the unexplored. Even now, the Midrash says, we can't grasp just how many depths there are.

Even the sons of Korah, known for their profound spiritual insights, cried out (Psalms 42:8), "Deep calls to deep." It’s a cascade, an endless chain reaction of mystery and awe.

So, what does this all mean for us? It's a call to recognize our place in this grand, divinely orchestrated symphony. From the mightiest sea creatures to each one of us, "Let all praise the name of God." We are all part of something bigger, connected by our shared purpose: to acknowledge and celebrate the divine presence that permeates all of existence.

Perhaps, the next time you feel lost or insignificant, remember the sea monsters. Remember the vast depths. Remember that your voice, your praise, matters. You are a note in the cosmic song, and the universe wouldn't be the same without you.

Praise God from the earth and so forth. Isaiah said (Isaiah 43:7), "everyone who is called by My name, and so forth." The Lord did not create man except for His glory. As it is said (Proverbs 16:4), "The Lord has made everything for its own purpose, and so forth." He created them to praise Him. As it is said (Psalms 19:2), "The heavens declare the glory of God, and so forth." Just as the heavens and all that is in them praise Him, so too does the earth and all that is in it praise Him. As it is said, "Praise God from the earth." Everyone praises the King. And who praises Him first? The sons of the palace, and afterwards the sons of the province. Therefore, it is said, "Praise God from the heavens, and so forth." After they praised Him in the heavens. And who praises Him first? One who is greater than his companion. And who are these great ones? The sea monsters. As it is said (Genesis 1:21), "God created the great sea monsters." Therefore, they praise Him first. As it is said, "Sea monsters and all depths." And how many depths are there that have not been explored? As it is said (Proverbs 8:24), "When there were no depths I was brought forth." And it is written (Exodus 15:5), "The depths covered them." And until now, no one knows how many there are. Until the sons of Korah said (Psalms 42:8), "Deep calls to deep, and so forth." Therefore, it is said, "Sea monsters and all depths." Let all praise the name of God.