תהלים, פרק צ״ו, פסוק ה׳

The vast gap between human myth and Divine truth becomes vividly clear when observing the natural world. While human societies often assign independent power to the forces of nature, true authority rests entirely with the Creator alone. The objects worshipped by various nations are essentially the sun, the moon, the stars, and even angels [אלשיך, אבן עזרא]. The fundamental mistake in worshipping these entities is the belief that they possess an independent power to act. This error stems either from a complete denial of God or from a flawed worldview that accepts His existence but denies His active involvement in the daily workings of the world [מאירי, מלבי״ם]. In truth, these objects of worship are entirely false, lacking any real substance or usefulness [מצודת ציון, אבן עזרא]. Compared to God, they are completely powerless [מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

In stark contrast to these powerless entities, God is the sole maker of the universe. The celestial bodies and angels do not operate by their own strength. They are merely creations with limited, measured abilities that depend entirely on the One who formed them [רד״ק, מלבי״ם, מצודת דוד]. God brought the heavens into existence entirely on His own, without any assistance from angels or preceding forces. Consequently, these created entities have no independent ability to cause harm or bring benefit [אלשיך]. The absolute divide between the emptiness of false gods and the unique power of God is so profound that traditional reading practices require a distinct pause when reciting the text. This vocal separation emphasizes that there is absolutely no connection between the worthless idols and the Creator [מנחת שי].

This reality raises a natural question: if these objects of worship are so empty and useless, why does God allow them to remain in the world? The answer lies in the specific items the nations chose to revere. Because they decided to worship the sun, the moon, and the stars—elements essential for the universe to function—God allows them to endure. He will not destroy His own vital creations simply because foolish people have turned them into idols [אלשיך].