Why God Created Such a Vast Universe: How Science Reveals Humanity’s True Greatness

Racheli asks: “There are billions of stars in space, many far larger than our entire solar system, which makes us seem tiny. What does that say about us? Why did God create such an enormous and confusing universe?”

* * *

Size and quantity may impress the human eye, but they lose all meaning when viewed through the lens of science.

Tiny Worlds with Infinite Depth

In a single grain of sand are about 20 trillion atoms — an unimaginable number of particles. If those atoms were suddenly enlarged, they would resemble vast galaxies filled with stars.

Likewise, if one microscopic cell in your body expanded to the size of a mountain, it would look like a bustling city filled with complex “machines” working together.

From this we can understand that magnitude doesn’t define significance. Even the smallest things can contain endless layers of complexity.

The Illusion of Size

What we perceive as massive space is mostly an illusion. Each atom is 99.999999% empty space — its particles moving so rapidly that they create the appearance of solid matter. Just as the blades of a fast fan look like a solid disc, the motion of particles gives stars and planets their seeming substance.

If those particles stopped moving for even an instant, every star and planet could fit into your pocket.

The true power of the universe lies not in its size, but in the energy and intelligence sustaining its motion — the will of the Creator.

Quality Over Quantity

The universe’s greatness is not measured by kilometers or kilograms, but by complexity and purpose. A watch’s tiny hands are far smaller than its gears or battery, yet they represent its entire purpose — to tell time.

The same is true of humanity: our greatness lies not in physical size, but in consciousness, free will, and moral awareness.

Rambam’s Insight: Complexity Defines Importance

Maimonides (Guide for the Perplexed, III:14) taught that sheer size doesn’t determine superiority. If stars are vast but simple in structure, while humans are small yet capable of reason and spiritual thought, this means that humans are higher in essence.

Ancient philosophers once believed stars were made of “divine” material, but modern physics and chemistry reveal otherwise.
Stars are mostly spheres of burning gas — gigantic nuclear furnaces, but chemically simple ones.

Human beings, on the other hand, are biologically and spiritually complex beyond measure — capable of emotion, art, love, and self-reflection.

A Brain More Complex Than a Galaxy

The human brain contains about 100 billion neurons — roughly equal to the number of stars in our galaxy. Each neuron communicates through tens of thousands of connections, forming a web far more intricate than any cosmic network.

Thus, in terms of structure and consciousness, one human mind outweighs an entire galaxy. As the Sages taught: “Every person must say: For my sake, the world was created.” (Mishnah, Sanhedrin 4:5)

How Science Strengthened Faith

Ironically, the same science that once seemed to challenge religion has uprooted idolatry and confirmed monotheism.

When people discovered how vast the universe truly is, it became impossible to believe in “gods” shaped like humans, animals, or statues walking among the stars. Only an infinite, non-physical, and eternal Creator could sustain a universe so boundless.

King David expressed this perfectly: “He counts the number of stars; He calls them all by name. Great is our Lord, abundant in strength; His understanding is beyond measure.” (Tehillim 147:4–5)

Yeshayahu (Isaiah) said: “Lift up your eyes on high and see: Who created these? He who brings out their host by number, calling each by name.” (Yeshayahu 40:26)

The Creator Beyond Space and Time

God is not a “giant being” floating through space, nor does He exist inside the universe. As the Sages said: “He is the place of the world, but the world is not His place.” (Bereishit Rabbah 68) The universe exists within God, and not the other way around.

Maimonides wrote: “The foundation of all foundations and the pillar of all wisdom is to know that there is a First Existence who brings all into being…He alone is truth, and none is true but Him.”
(Mishneh Torah, Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 1:1)

The Ultimate Lesson

Science and faith, far from being enemies, now converge on a shared truth:

• The universe’s vastness points to the Creator’s infinite power.

• The human soul’s depth reveals His personal care and image within us.

The stars declare His glory, but the human mind reflects His likeness. We are not small at all — we are the purpose of the cosmos.