איוב, פרק מ׳, פסוק כ׳

The immense power of the Behemoth presents a surprising contrast to its plant-based diet and the peaceful environment it naturally creates. The primary approach among commentators is that the mountains yield an endless supply of vegetation for this creature. This constant abundance sustains its massive strength and ensures it never experiences hunger [מצודת דוד, רמב״ן, אבן עזרא, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. The sheer volume of its intake is staggering, as it grazes and consumes the growth of a thousand mountains every single day [רש״י, אלשיך]. Another perspective suggests that humans who know its resting place, or even other animals, might actually gather and carry this food directly to it [תקות אנוש].

Because God designed its nature to feed on plants rather than hunt for prey, the surrounding wildlife feels no fear. Other animals can safely play right where this massive beast rests, entirely unthreatened by its overwhelming strength [מצודת דוד, רלב״ג, רמב״ן, אבן עזרא, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Even the fierce predators that roam these mountains do not dare challenge the creature, choosing instead to play freely in its presence [אלשיך].

However, a completely different approach views this creature as a source of extreme danger and potential ruin. In this view, if the beast were ever to enter human settlements, it would consume all the crops, bring starvation to the world, and lead other animals to destroy the land [אלשיך]. According to this perspective, the elimination of the beast would actually be a massive relief. Without it, the mountains could freely offer their produce to God, and the wild animals could finally play in peace, no longer forced to run away in terror from its frightening presence [מלבי״ם].