Rabbi Roodyn

The Malbim explains that this chapter of Tehillim will address a number of arguments put forward by proponents of the philosophy of the insignificance of man and will address them in turn through the coming pesukim.

1. The vast number of stars and planets.
2. The sheer size and vastness of the universe.
3. The detail of the universe.
4. Their elevated location.
5. They exist perpetually without the need to procreate.

He quotes them as saying, ‘would a wise inventor create complex machinery weighing many tons in order to produce one needle?’ The claim being, that no intelligent being would have created a universe so vast, just for the sake of one tiny planet and one species that inhabits it.

We, who see the world through the eyes of the Torah view the universe from an entirely different perspective. The enormity of the universe as compared to planet earth is not what determines importance or value. The vastness of the universe is awe inspiring and ought to bring us closer to an appreciation of the Creator. From a Torah perspective, man (created in the image of G-d) is the purpose of all of creation. His ability to choose to live a moral and ethical life, to choose good over evil through this Divine quality of free will is what determines his value.

Therefore, the Malbim comments that the stars were created to illuminate the Earth (Bereshis 1:17) and the entire planet is the arena for man who is the climax and pinnacle of the entire process of creation. Because it is through mankind alone that all of existence can achieve that purpose for which it was created. It is for mans’ sake that Divine wisdom saw fit to bring all of existence into being.  And human beings themselves were created for the sake of the ones who would achieve perfection through keeping Hashem’s laws.

Furthermore, the nature of the universe is determined by man’s behaviour. It will rise or fall or even cease to exist entirely, on the basis of man’s actions, guarding Hashem’s commandments or rebelling against them. The concept of accountability, reward and punishment, of consequences for our actions, is a major principle in Torah. In fact it is a fundamental underpinning of the Torah that a person who achieved perfection is Hashem’s portion in this world.

This was demonstrated when Hashem took us out of Egypt with great signs and wonders, appeared to us on Mount Sinai and dwelled amongst us in the Mishkan and the Mikdash. It is as if Hashem desired only to dwell here, and this land, and the people who keep His commandments are the treasure, for whom He did everything that He did. That is why Hashem refers to us with such endearing terms, such as His first born son, His betrothed,  His nation and His portion.

Rosh Hashana reminds us that life is serious business. On the day that that we both celebrate and commemorate creation of the universe and human life, we also stand before the Creator and are held accountable for our actions.  On this day we ask for another year of life, and realise that nothing should be taken for granted.