איוב, פרק י״ב, פסוק ח׳

The entirety of creation, from the fundamental elements of matter to the lowest forms of animal life, stands as a living, tangible witness to the hidden wisdom and wonders of God. Engaging in a dialogue with the natural world reveals profound truths about His design [רלב"ג, מצודת ציון, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Observing the environment, specifically the four basic elements and the earthly creatures composed of them, provides a clear pathway to understanding God's mysterious ways [מצודת דוד].

This conversation with the earth can also be understood as a profound wish. If the earth itself possessed the ability to speak, it would declare the immense miracle of its own existence. According to the laws of nature, heavy soil should naturally sink beneath water. Yet, the dry land rests securely upon the water's surface, proving that God sustains the world through continuous miracles that defy natural law [אלשיך]. Alternatively, directing attention to the earth means observing the lowly creatures that crawl upon it. These creeping insects and reptiles occupy a rank even lower than the birds of the sky, yet their existence equally reflects the divine plan [מלבי"ם].

Descending further down the hierarchy of the natural world brings attention to the fish of the sea, which are considered the lowest of all living creatures [מלבי"ם]. Despite their lowly status, their very existence is a profound marvel. They possess physical bodies infused with a living soul, and they survive entirely underwater without suffocating, unlike the rest of the animal kingdom. This unique reality is such a clear and undeniable miracle that the ongoing existence of fish serves as a living story, constantly testifying to the glory of God [אלשיך].