איוב, פרק מ״א, פסוק כ״ו

At the close of God’s response to Job, the balance of power in the world is revealed, highlighting human smallness in the face of both creation and the Creator. The primary approach among commentators is that the focus remains on the immense power of the Leviathan, a creature that rises above and looks down upon all that is high. The exact nature of this towering gaze is understood in different ways. Some view it as a physical description, suggesting the creature’s massive length allows it to lift its head above the water to survey everything around it [רמב״ן, אבן עזרא, תקות אנוש]. Alternatively, even while resting on the ocean floor, it can look at the tallest and strongest objects on land without a trace of fear [מצודת דוד, תקות אנוש]. Others view this height conceptually rather than physically. In the natural world, the superior force looks down upon the inferior, leaving the weaker with no power to resist. In this way, the Leviathan looks down on all mighty beings, proving they are powerless against its unprecedented physical and spiritual strength [רש״י, רמב״ן, אלשיך].

The specific subjects over which the Leviathan rules are also understood in several ways. They may be the proud and arrogant forces of the world, whether human or mighty animals [רש״י, רמב״ן, מצודת ציון, מצודת דוד]. They could simply refer to large, giant creatures in general [מלבי״ם, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Another perspective suggests its domain is specifically over the other sea creatures and fish born in the waters [אבן עזרא, רמב״ן, תקות אנוש].

Shifting away from the Leviathan, an entirely different approach understands God Himself as the active subject. In this view, God is the One who watches over all high and powerful creatures. By placing His fear upon them, He prevents them from destroying the weak, thereby displaying His complete rule over the strongest forces in existence [מלבי״ם]. Expanding on this idea to frame the conclusion of the entire story of Job, God is seen looking down upon the heavenly spheres. Since these spheres are the highest elements of creation, God stands as the supreme King over all mighty heavenly forces [תקות אנוש].

Ultimately, presenting the wonders and strength of the Leviathan serves a singular purpose: to reveal the greatness of the Creator. If such a terrifyingly powerful creature rules within the world and no one can stand against it, it is absolutely certain that no human can argue with God. No one can complain about His ways or stop Him from carrying out justice and righteousness exactly as He sees fit [רש״י, מצודת דוד].