תהלים, פרק כ״ד, פסוק א׳

Acknowledging the Creator's absolute ownership over all existence forms the very foundation for bringing His presence into the physical world. King David composed this song specifically to be sung during the momentous occasion of bringing the Ark of the Covenant into the Holy of Holies [רד״ק, מלבי״ם, מאירי]. It serves as the opening song of the Levites and was designated as the daily song for Sunday. This timing acts as a reminder of the first day of creation, when God established, secured, and rooted His rule over His world [תורה תמימה].

This declaration makes it clear that the physical universe is not too inferior or tainted to hold the Divine presence. Because God Himself created physical matter out of absolute nothingness, He actively desires to dwell among the lower, material realms [אלשיך, מלבי״ם]. Since His presence fills the world, we are essentially standing directly before His face at all times. As a result, human beings are only capable of expressing a tiny fraction of the immense praise He truly deserves [חומת אנך]. Recognizing that everything belongs to God and rests within His treasury brings this grand concept into daily life. Reflecting on this truth while sitting at a table full of food serves as a powerful expression of gratitude, acknowledging that every physical blessing comes directly from Him [תורה תמימה, שטיינזלץ, מצודת ציון].

When considering the physical earth, it is important to note that the globe would naturally be entirely covered in water. It is only by God's will that the dry land was exposed and made visible [רד״ק, אבן עזרא, מלבי״ם]. This land is filled with a massive variety and quantity of creations [שטיינזלץ, מצודת דוד]. The primary approach among commentators notes a transition in focus from the general globe to specifically settled areas, highlighting the places inhabited by human beings [רד״ק, שטיינזלץ, מצודת ציון, מלבי״ם, מאירי].

In contrast to viewing this as a shift from the general earth to populated regions, another perspective understands this as a geographic and spiritual division. In this view, the primary focus is exclusively on the Land of Israel, while the secondary focus rests on the other nations of the world [רש״י]. Consequently, the abundance of the land hints at the unique spiritual forces and holiness that fill the very air of the Land of Israel, whereas the rest of the world is noted merely for its human inhabitants [אלשיך]. God's exclusive ownership over the Land of Israel carries practical legal weight as well. Because the land is ultimately His, if a non-Jew purchases property there, the land is not freed from its spiritual obligations, such as the requirement to separate agricultural tithes [תורה תמימה].