The verse, “Forever, Hashem, Your word stands firm in the heavens,” means not only that Hashem’s word gives life and existence to all created beings. His word is actually invested within them, and therefore no created being is separate from Hashem.
One might initially think that this applies only “in the heavens above,” to the heavenly hosts, which are vessels for the word of Hashem. Regarding “the earth below,” however, one might think that Hashem’s word is invested within created beings only in the manner of sunlight that comes from the sun, where the light has an existence of its own.
The verse therefore teaches that even “on the earth below,” and even “in the empty space of the world,” “there is nothing else.”
In our parshah it is stated:
“You shall know today and take it to heart that Hashem is G‑d in the heavens above and upon the earth below; there is nothing else.”
The reason the verse specifies three elements—“in the heavens,” “upon the earth,” and “there is nothing else”—is not merely because of the stages in a person’s recognition, as implied by the words, “You shall know.” These distinctions also reflect the true nature of the matter itself.
This requires explanation. Hashem gives life and existence to everything. Without this Divine vitality, the world would return to absolute nothingness. What, then, is added by saying that “there is nothing else” upon the earth beyond what was already stated regarding “the heavens above”?
The explanation is based on the Baal Shem Tov’s interpretation of the verse:
“Forever, Hashem, Your word stands firm in the heavens.”
The Baal Shem Tov’s teaching is not merely that the word of Hashem continuously gives life and existence to all created beings. Rather, the word of Hashem is invested within the created beings themselves.
This is not merely comparable to sunlight that comes from the sun. Sunlight derives its entire existence from the sun. The proof is that the moment a cloud blocks the sun, the light disappears. Nevertheless, the light is separate from the luminary and has a distinct existence of its own.
The word of Hashem, by contrast, is actually invested within the created being. Therefore, the created being is not separate from the Divine word invested within it. It is thus understood that “every created entity and seemingly independent existence is, in truth, considered absolute nothingness.”
One might initially think that this teaching applies specifically “in the heavens above.” The heavenly hosts endure permanently according to their species and are fitting vessels for the word of Hashem.
Regarding “the earth below,” however, one might think that the word of Hashem invested within physical creations is comparable only to sunlight that comes from the sun: although entirely dependent upon its source, it nevertheless possesses a seemingly separate existence.
The verse therefore teaches that even “upon the earth below,” and even “in the empty space of the world,” “there is nothing else.” Nothing possesses any independent existence outside of Hashem.
In a Person’s Divine Service
“In the heavens above” refers to the service expressed by saying Modeh Ani. A person thanks Hashem for returning his soul after it had been “in the heavens above,” having ascended to draw renewed life for itself.
“Upon the earth below” refers to the service of causing the soul to be felt within the body and within physical life. This begins with matters of holiness: “From the synagogue, one enters the study hall.”
Afterward, this awareness must extend even into “the empty space of the world,” into ordinary worldly activity, in accordance with the teaching:
“Conduct yourself in them according to the way of the world.”
Even within a person’s material occupation and daily affairs, it must be recognized that “there is nothing else.”