תהלים, פרק צ״ה, פסוק ה׳

God's total mastery over the physical world is displayed through the two contrasting elements that form the earth: the sea and the dry land [אבן עזרא]. This absolute command over the forces of nature serves as a powerful testament to His ability to steer human history, easily humbling nations into exile or lifting them toward redemption according to His will [רד"ק].

The creation of these two domains involved fundamentally different processes, reflecting the unique physical nature of each element. The dry land was shaped and given a permanent, natural form designed to sustain all plant and animal life [רד"ק]. Because solid earth holds its shape naturally without changing on its own, it simply needed to be formed. Water, however, naturally tends to spread and cover everything in its path. Therefore, the sea required a process of active arrangement and regulation [מצודת ציון], where God commanded the waters to gather into one defined space [רד"ק, מצודת דוד, מאירי]. The boundaries of the ocean go against the very nature of water, and they remain in place only through God's constant, ongoing command [מלבי"ם].

Beyond its physical properties, the dry land carries profound historical significance. According to tradition, the initial creation of solid ground began specifically with the Land of Israel, from which the rest of the world eventually expanded. This specific land enjoyed unique divine protection, remaining dry even during the great Flood. Furthermore, it acted as a steadfast barrier when God transformed other regions of the world into oceans during the earlier generation of Enosh [אלשיך].