Developing a relationship with the Creator requires more than blind faith; it demands active exploration and personal experience. The primary approach among commentators is that the invitation to know God is compared to sampling a dish. Just as a person tastes food to understand its quality, an individual is called to deeply examine and intellectually investigate the paths of faith [רד״ק, מצודת ציון, אבן עזרא, המאירי]. Beyond intellectual inquiry, this process involves a deeply personal experience of closeness to God and the fulfillment of His will [רש״י, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. By delving into the inner wisdom of the Torah, a person discovers profound meaning and a true understanding of God's greatness [חומת אנך].
This pursuit of faith is a multi-dimensional experience that engages both the mind and the senses. Gaining awareness of God can happen through literal physical sight or through a clear, undeniable intellectual grasp of truth [רד״ק, אבן עזרא]. Others draw a distinction between different forms of experience, explaining that an inner sense of taste represents the physical pleasantness felt within the body, while outward sight represents the practical, visible benefits one encounters. God grants both inner pleasantness and outward, tangible benefits to those who seek Him [מלבי״ם].
Through this blend of practical and intellectual experience, a person arrives at the realization of God’s absolute goodness. This goodness is clearly seen in His personal, guiding care for those who cling to Him and in His protection from their enemies [המאירי]. Salvation from God is fundamentally different from any rescue provided by humans, natural forces, or even angels. God alone is the true and absolute source of all good, and believing that any other power is capable of providing genuine good is considered a sin [אלשיך, מלבי״ם].
Recognizing this supreme goodness leads to the understanding that true happiness belongs to the person who finds shelter in God. This profound spiritual and emotional joy stems entirely from the choice to seek refuge in Him, even before any actual reward or benefit is received [ביאור שטיינזלץ, מלבי״ם]. This perspective answers a difficult question: why does God sometimes leave those He loves in states of poverty, heartbreak, or hardship? The answer is that genuine good is not found in material wealth, which can easily cause a person to trust in their possessions and forget their Creator. Rather, true good is found in closeness to God. He may intentionally leave a person in a state of lack so that they will continue to seek refuge in Him constantly. Ultimately, it is this absolute reliance on God that brings a person to the most complete and genuine happiness [אלשיך].