תהלים, פרק קל״ו, פסוק ט׳

The creation of celestial bodies to illuminate the darkness serves as a profound act of divine care, designed to sustain the world and provide continuous kindness to all living creatures. During the night, the moon and stars serve a highly practical purpose. They provide essential light for desert travelers and seafarers who rely on their glow for guidance through the dark [רד״ק]. Yet, their purpose extends far beyond simply lighting the night sky. These heavenly bodies exert a fundamental influence over the entirety of nature. The moon holds a unique power over water, while every individual star possesses a specific effect on various plants, stones, and metals [רד״ק, מאירי]. Furthermore, the very existence of these night luminaries drives the natural cycles of heat and cold. This cycle is the primary force that allows life to continue on earth without interruption, reflecting a kindness from God that lasts forever [רד״ק, מאירי].

At first glance, the pairing of the moon and the stars to govern the night together might seem unusual. Unlike the sun, which was given exclusive domain over the day, the moon appears to share its rule. This shared governance could easily be seen as an additional slight against the moon, especially considering it was reduced from its original size. However, the reality of this arrangement is quite the opposite and represents a distinct act of kindness. God did not grant the stars independent authority. Instead, He placed them directly under the moon's control. By surrounding the moon with a vast multitude of stars, God provided it with a grand army of attendants. This arrangement was specifically designed to comfort and appease the moon after its reduction, offering a powerful moral lesson about the importance of bringing comfort to anyone who has been hurt or diminished [אלשיך].