משלי, פרק ח׳, פסוק ל׳

Before the universe came into existence, supreme wisdom was already present, sharing a close, eternal, and deeply joyful relationship with the Creator. This relationship reflects a state of divine perfection and unity, where wisdom serves not merely as a blueprint for the world, but as a source of pure, ongoing spiritual delight. The primary approach among commentators envisions this wisdom as a cherished child or infant growing up in the lap of her Father, lovingly nurtured and raised by Him [רש"י, אבן עזרא, מצודת ציון, מצודת דוד, מלבי"ם, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Alternatively, wisdom is compared to a master craftsman or a trusted emissary. In this view, the King entrusts this master with the leadership of the world and the nurturing of His creations, much like royalty placing their children in the care of an expert tutor [עמנואל הרומי, רלב"ג].

Although wisdom is personified as an entity standing beside God, it is never separate from His core essence. God and His wisdom are completely one. Therefore, the immense joy and playfulness experienced in this relationship are actually expressions of divine pleasure, a state in which God comprehends His own essence and understanding [אמרי דעת, רלב"ג]. This profound spiritual joy is constant and eternal, never pausing for even a moment [עמנואל הרומי, אמרי דעת]. Furthermore, despite the continuous presence of wisdom beside Him, the thrill of this delight never fades; every single day remains just as joyful and exciting as the day before [אלשיך]. This ancient period of pure delight existed for two thousand years before the world was made [רש"י].

Initially, before the dawn of creation, this wisdom was solely an internal, private delight. However, as creation began and time was introduced, this internal joy transformed into an outward expression of playfulness. This active play is the very process of drawing God's divine light and goodness down into the physical world [אלשיך]. With every moment that new creatures were formed and the laws of nature were set into motion, wisdom actively brought the potential of creation into reality. This ongoing, creative action is itself the ultimate expression of joy and playfulness before God [מלבי"ם, ביאור שטיינזלץ].