Rabbi Roodyn

Yesterday we saw that the Radak explains that the mountains are an allegory to the kings of the nations of the world. They appear vast and mighty and insurmountable, but in fact will melt away into nothingness.

Rav Hirsch takes this idea and develops it further. He claims  that the mountains refer to the great powers on earth to which men had hitherto looked up to in admiration. In the era of Yemos Hamoshiach the whole pecking order will be different, those who appear mighty by virtue of sheer strength and brute force will be rendered weak and impotent. By way of contrast, those who display greatness of spirit will be truly mighty. The message is so powerful, physical strength does not endure forever and if abused will lose its standing for all eternity.

Perhaps this is the meaning behind the words of the prophet Jeremiah (9:22-23) Thus says Hashem: Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom, nor the strong man boast of his strength, nor the rich man boast of his riches. But let him that boasts exult in this, that he understands and knows me, for I am Hashem, Who practices kindness, justice and righteousness on the earth; for in these things I delight, says Hashem.