It seems the answer, according to ancient wisdom, lies not in triumph alone, but in the crucible of adversity.

The Midrash Tehillim, a collection of homiletic interpretations on the Book of Psalms, asks a profound question: "What is the meaning of the verse 'I will sing to the Lord, for he is highly exalted'?" (Exodus 15:1). Rabbi Yudan offers a powerful insight, connecting it to Psalms 71:7, "I have become a sign to many; you are my strong refuge."

According to Rabbi Yudan, David himself understood this connection intimately. David declared that he "did not sing a song until I was disgraced and until four fell into my hand and until I had dominion over Baal of the fingers." What does all of that mean?

David's disgrace came in the form of revealing the secrets of the Philistines (1 Samuel 17), an act that, while ultimately victorious, brought initial shame upon Israel. The four who "fell into his hand" refers to the descendants of Baal of the fingers (2 Samuel 21:20, 22)—a giant from Gath who had six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot. Imagine that! A formidable foe, indeed.

The Midrash draws a parallel between David's experience and the future redemption. Just as David's song arose from hardship, so too will Israel's ultimate song of praise be born from a period of intense struggle. "So too, Israel does not sing a song until they are disgraced and until four fall into their hands and Baal of the fingers."

Think about it: we often turn to song in moments of profound emotion, whether it's joy, sorrow, or, yes, even after overcoming great challenges.

The text continues, drawing a parallel to the coming of the Messiah. It suggests that even the Messiah will face a period of disgrace, echoing the sentiment expressed in Psalms 69:10: "Because zeal for your house consumes me, and the insults of those who insult you fall on me." Only after the fall of "four wicked empires," as prophesied in Zechariah 14:2 ("I will gather all the nations to Jerusalem"), will the time be ripe for a new song. "At that time, one should say a new song to the Lord," the Midrash states, referencing Psalms 98:1: "Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things."

So, what does this all mean for us today? Perhaps it's a reminder that even in our own moments of struggle, of disgrace, of feeling overwhelmed, there is potential for song. Perhaps it's in those very moments that we are being prepared to sing a new song, a song of resilience, of hope, and of unwavering faith in the face of adversity. It suggests that the most beautiful melodies often arise from the deepest valleys.