God’s absolute eternity stands in sharp contrast to the temporary, fragile existence of humanity and the physical universe. Long before time began or the physical realm was formed, the Creator existed. His power remains forever, extending far beyond the limits of the known universe. The focus on the period preceding creation highlights this timelessness, noting that God was present before the formation of the earth and the birth of the mountains [אבן עזרא, רד״ק]. Mountains are specifically mentioned because they are perceived as the most ancient, stable, and enduring structures in the natural world [רד״ק, אבן עזרא].
Attention is deliberately drawn to the earth rather than the heavens to emphasize the human condition. Earth is a realm of decay where living things eventually pass away, unlike the heavens, which represent permanence and stability [רד״ק, מאירי]. The creation of the earth is described in terms of birth, implying being newly formed and brought into existence [רש״י, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Some suggest that natural elements or winds literally gave birth to the mountains at God's command [רד״ק, אבן עזרא]. Another perspective views this creative process through a maternal lens, suggesting the earth experienced birth pangs before the mountains were finally formed [מלבי״ם].
When describing the physical world, different terms are used to capture its totality. While some view these descriptions merely as synonyms used for emphasis [מאירי], the primary approach among commentators is that they distinguish between different parts of the globe. One concept refers to the wild, uninhabited regions, while the other specifically denotes dry land and populated areas. Regardless of the landscape, God’s dominion spans from everlasting to everlasting. This signifies an absolute eternity, stretching from the time before the world existed until the end of days, or from the very first world to the final one [רש״י, רד״ק, מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ].
The specific title used for God at this juncture is generally understood to express absolute power, strength, and capability [רד״ק, מצודת דוד, מאירי]. This serves to widen the perceived gap between the infinitely powerful Creator and fragile, vulnerable human beings [אבן עזרא]. However, an alternative approach interprets this divine title as representing the attribute of kindness. According to this view, even though God is ancient and governs with strict justice, He ultimately treats His creations with deep kindness and will not withhold it from humanity [אלשיך]. On a deeper, interpretive level, the sages learn that repentance was one of the concepts created before the physical universe. Because the mention of the time before the mountains were born is closely followed by the concept of human return, it teaches that the opportunity for humans to repent and return to God was woven into the fabric of reality long before the earth was even formed [תורה תמימה].