Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young. (Psalm 84:3)
The Jewish commentator Ibn Ezra provides a unique perspective on this verse. He interprets the Hebrew word דרור d’ror — rendered above as swallow — to mean “free one” or “free bird.” According to his commentary, this particular bird is a song bird that only sings when it is actually free. In other words, this bird refuses to sing when in captivity. When free, this bird can make its nest wherever it feels safe and unhindered; when caged it grows silent.
Similarly, Israel is likened unto this bird in that, when free from oppression and the fear that goes along with being persecuted by others, God’s people will sing songs unhindered by the cares of this world. On the other hand, when caged by oppressive nations, they find it difficult to express themselves as they ordinarily would. As it is written, “Those who carried us away captive asked of us a song, and those who plundered us requested mirth, saying, ‘Sing us one of the songs of Zion!’ How shall we sing the Lord’s song in a foreign land?” (Psalm 137:3-4).
Admittedly, it is difficult to burst forth into joyous song when one feels trapped by circumstances and unable to break free from the fear brought on by the cares of this world. However, there is Biblical precedent to override our natural inclination to be silent in these situations and sing. When David was pressed on all sides by circumstances and violent people, he determined to sing. As it is written, “I will sing of Your power; yes, I will sing aloud of Your mercy in the morning; for You have been my defense and refuge in the day of my trouble. To You, O my Strength, I will sing praises” (Psalm 59:16-17).
The point, then, is this: God created us all with the ability to express our devotion to Him with our voices. Obviously, some voices are more pleasant to listen to than others, but this ability did not come with restrictions determined by our circumstances. In other words, it is up to us whether or not we will sing in good times and bad times. In Him, we have the power and ability to sing in the midst of the storms and to find shelter when everything around us is chaotic. So then, don’t be caged in by circumstances; in every situation sing the Lord’s song for all to hear.
Blessings and Shalom,
Bill
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