Rabbi Roodyn

א) שִׁירוּ לַה’ שִׁיר חָדָשׁ שִׁירוּ לַה’ כָּל הָאָרֶץ:

Sing to Hashem a new song, sing to Hashem, all the earth.

The start of a new chapter allows for a different mood and tone. The previous perek ended off on a negative note, relating how the Jewish people rebelled against Hashem during the forty years in the wilderness. Moreover it spoke of the need for us to guard ourselves during our long wanderings during our present exile. But now we look forward to the future, drawing strength from what lies in store for us.

Rashi tells us that this a song for the future, for the end of days when Hashem will judge all of mankind and the Seforno likens this period to the time after the flood, when Hashem literally formed a new world with a new order. The Radak says that this new song will come as a result of each man turning to his fellow asking him to join in this song of redemption, the repetition of the word שיר, song is according to the Ibn Ezra an indication of permanence as the world enters the era of redemption and perfection.

Rav Hirsch introduces this chapter by saying that its theme is the fulfilment of the positive aspect of out exile. The ‘awakening of awe’ for Hashem throughout the world was referred to right at the start of the previous perek when we discussed the meaning of  לכו נרננה and therefore this chapter is the perfect sequel to it.