תהלים, פרק נ׳, פסוק י״א

Human beings are usually only familiar with their close surroundings. They often find it hard to grasp the massive number of creatures living in the wild. In contrast, God holds absolute and unlimited knowledge of all creation. He intimately knows and controls even the wildest animals living far away from human cities. All creatures, especially those completely unknown to mankind, are well known to God, resting entirely in His possession and under His full supervision [אבן עזרא, רד״ק, מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Every living thing remains constantly under His watchful eye and authority [רש״י, מצודת דוד].

When considering the specific life found in the open fields, commentators offer several explanations. The primary approach among commentators is that this refers to insects, creeping things, or small animals that constantly move and scurry from place to place across the land [רש״י, מצודת ציון, מלבי״ם]. A different tradition describes a wondrous, massive bird. According to these accounts, this bird is so gigantic that its spread wings block out the sun. It can stand in incredibly deep water while its head reaches all the way to the sky, and its flesh is said to contain many different and varied tastes [תורה תמימה, רד״ק, אלשיך, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Taking a completely different path, a third view suggests that these field creations are not animals at all. Instead, they represent the very best crops and agricultural produce, serving as a hint to the plant-based offerings brought to God [מאירי].