Myśl Żydowska do Psalmów 8:7

Flocks and cattle, all of them, and also the beasts of the field – It is difficult to understand what is added by the phrase, and also the beasts of the field. Moreover, why is [that phrase introduced by the words] “and also”? [In resolution,] it appears that from [the word] “also” onward, the psalm is relating prophecies of the Ultimate Future. [Hence, the phrase] the beasts of the field refers to “the beast [that pastures] on a thousand mountains,”⁵⁴Tehillim 50:10. The verse is translated according to the understanding of our Sages cited in the following footnote. mentioned in Psalm 50. Our Sages⁵⁵Vayikra Rabbah 22:10. interpret [that phrase as referring to “the wild ox”] which will be prepared for [the feast of] the righteous in the Ultimate Future, as stated in Tractate Bava Basra.⁵⁶Bava Basra 74b. Although [our Sages] speak only of one beast pasturing on one thousand mountains, the verse [uses the plural form, “beasts”]. The Sages’ statement can be understood as an exaggeration, indicating that each of these beasts will pasture on a thousand mountains each day, [since the text itself is describing many beasts pasturing on those one thousand mountains]. A similar [interpretation can be given for the phrase in the following verse in psalm 50],⁵⁷Tehillim 50:11. Here as well, we are translating the verse according to the interpretation found in Vayikra Rabbah, loc. cit. וְזִיז שָׂדַי עִמָּדִי, “the giant fowl of the field are with Me.” Yonasan ben Uziel translates [that phrase as referring to] “the wild rooster whose feet rest on the ground and whose head reaches the heaven.” Similarly, [this fowl is mentioned] in Tractate Bava Basra,⁵⁸Bava Basra 73b. [and] it is also alluded to [in this psalm with the phrase] the fowl of the heavens. Why should we not say that the meat of [this] fowl will be included in the feast [for the righteous in the Ultimate Future]? Just like the meat of fish – the Leviathan and its mate, the fish of the sea [mentioned in this psalm – the meat of fowl will also be served at this feast,] as I will explain shortly. On this basis, we can also understand why this phrase is introduced by the words and also [as mentioned above]. For [the phrase and also indicates] something significant, and to be included as part of this feast is certainly a significant matter.

Afterwards, reflect on the Creator's granting greatness to man, that he made him ruler over the animals, plants, and natural resources, as written "You give him dominion over the work of Your hands; You have placed everything beneath his feet" (Tehilim 8:7), and He made known to man the statutes of His torah, and established him (to understand) what will further his welfare of the upper and lower wisdoms of this world. And G-d elevated man further by permitting and desiring his praise and gratitude, and to call to Him during difficulties, and to answer his prayers in difficult times, and chose in him, and appointed him over His creations, and transmitted to man secrets of His might, and made miracles through His treasured ones, besides what would be lengthy to recall of the hidden and revealed favors, whether physical or spiritual, general and specific, of His kindness and goodness towards us.

When we contemplate on this world, we find it is composite and compound. There is no part of it that does not have the character of composition and coordination. For to our senses and intellect it appears like a built and furnished house, whereby all its needs are prepared. The sky above like a roof, the land below like a carpet, the stars in their array like candles. All the objects gathered in it like treasures - everything has its need. Man is like the master of the house who uses all that is in it. The various types of plants are prepared for his benefit; the various kinds of animals serve his use, as David said: "You have made man to have dominion over the works of Your hands; You have put all things under his feet; All sheep and oxen, and the beasts of the field; The birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passes through the paths of the seas" (Ps. 8:7).