The Midrash, that treasure trove of Jewish stories and interpretations, finds echoes of this universal joy in the verses about the holiday of Sukkot. Specifically, Vayikra Rabbah 30, drawing on Psalms, sees the whole creation singing God's praises. It all starts with the verse "You shall take for you on the first day..." referring to the lulav and etrog, the palm branch and citron used during Sukkot.
But then, the Midrash makes a fascinating leap. It connects this verse to another: "The fields and everything within them will exult" (Psalms 96:12). What do fields have to do with Sukkot? Well, the Midrash understands "the fields" as a metaphor for the world itself. Think about it: "It came to pass when they were in the field," right? That's from the story of Cain and Abel (Genesis 4:8). And according to Bereshit Rabba 22:7, Cain and Abel were arguing about how to divide the entire world between them. The field, in that story, is the whole world.
And "everything within them?" Those are all the creatures, everything that lives and breathes! As Psalms 24:1 tells us, "The earth and all its contents are the Lord’s." So, the whole world and everyone in it is rejoicing.
But it gets even more specific. The verse continues: "Then the trees of the forest will sing" (I Chronicles 16:33). Now, Rabbi Aḥa picks up on something subtle but important. There are actually two very similar verses: "the forest [will sing]" and "all the trees of the forest [will sing]" (Psalms 96:12). What’s the difference that single word makes?
Rabbi Aḥa explains that "the forest" refers to trees that produce fruit. Makes sense, right? They’re providing sustenance, bringing sweetness into the world. But "all the trees of the forest," he says, that includes the trees that don't produce fruit. Even the barren trees are part of the song!
Before whom are they singing? "Before the Lord" (Psalms 98:9). And why? Because "He comes" (Psalms 98:9). Now, the Midrash connects this to Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, the High Holy Days. He comes to do what? "He will judge the world with righteousness and peoples with uprightness" (Psalms 98:9).
So, what does it all mean? This Midrash paints a picture of a world filled with joy and anticipation, even as it faces judgment. The whole creation, from the fruitful trees to the barren ones, is singing God's praises as He prepares to judge the world. It reminds us that even in moments of introspection and accountability – the High Holy Days – there's a deep-seated hope and joy woven into the fabric of existence. Perhaps Sukkot, coming right after, is the release of that pent-up joy. A chance to dwell in temporary shelters, surrounded by symbols of abundance, and truly feel the exultation of the fields, the creatures, and all the trees of the forest.