איוב, פרק כ״ו, פסוק י׳

Creation operates under precise divine laws that establish impassable boundaries for the forces of nature and define the edges of reality. God controls the raging waters and determines the exact seams where the fundamental elements of the universe meet. He draws a circular boundary around these forces, similar to the motion of a compass [רש״י, מצודת ציון, רלב״ג].

The primary approach among commentators is that God encircled the ocean waters with sand, establishing a permanent natural law and a global border that prevents the seas from flooding dry land [רש״י, מצודת דוד, רמב״ן, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. The water is essentially held in place like a towering wall. This defies its natural tendency to spread, serving to instill an awe of God without the intervention of any other natural forces [אלשיך]. Conversely, some view this divine law as governing the movement of water in the atmosphere. In this framework, a natural law directs water vapor to rise and circulate around the earth [מלבי״ם], or it serves as a boundary that surrounds and separates the distinct elements of water, air, and the upper fire [תקות אנוש].

The limits of these natural phenomena are defined either by time or by physical space. From a temporal perspective, the boundaries of the sea will remain intact forever, lasting until the end of days when light, darkness, and the entire world will finally come to an end [רש״י, מצודת דוד, רמב״ן, אבן עזרא]. From a spatial perspective, this boundary represents the absolute edge of reality, the physical location where the realm of light concludes and total darkness begins [אבן עזרא, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. It marks a specific border in the upper atmosphere where the sun's rays no longer provide illumination and water vapors cease to rise. Beyond this point lies only a void of darkness and cold [מלבי״ם]. This spatial edge is also viewed as the ultimate connection point between the various elements of creation [תקות אנוש].

Alongside these physical explanations, there is a historical and miraculous dimension. The law preventing the waters from crossing their borders was established at the dawn of time to hold only until the splitting of the Red Sea. At that moment, the waters departed from their natural behavior and stood upright. This occurred precisely where light and darkness intersected, as the pillar of fire illuminated the way for the Israelites while a thick cloud cast darkness upon the Egyptians [אלשיך]. On a deeper, allegorical level, the merging of light and darkness symbolizes the human condition. It represents how God intertwines the bright, spiritual human soul with the dark, physical body, a purposeful union designed to guide humanity toward a profound awe of heaven [אלשיך].