Perek Shira: The Song of the Vegetables of the Field
by Rabbi Shmuel Kraines
The vegetables in the field say: “Its furrows You satiate, descending to its grooves, with raindrops You saturate it, its sprouts You bless.” (Tehillim 65:11)
Vegetables require constant watering to maintain moisture and to provide for their rapid growth. Moreover, they are menaced by the attacks of countless insects that creep upon and within the soil. When Hashem waters them, and they ripen to plump fruition, they sing of His blessings. Their verse mentions “descending to its grooves,” since the water descends deep into the soil in order to reach them. “Its sprouts You bless,” for their rapid growth is clearly blessed by Hashem.
We need to only open our eyes to see that we, too, are fragile and constantly dependent upon Hashem. As much as we humbly accept that fact, the more we feel gratitude towards Him. There is reason enough to thank Him every day and every hour. He cares for our wellbeing and listens for our song.
- Sources: Malbim; Perek B’Shir
*In loving memory of Harav Zeev Shlomo ben Zecharia Leib
