ייִדישער מחשבֿה אויף בראשית 13:16

The answer is that before the flood the terrestrial elements were oriented to dominate the element of fire and convert it to the form of water, just as they are oriented to dominate the element of air. And in that time, when there was an intensification of moisture the hot, fiery element weakened, so that this phenomenon was not observable. But [after the flood], the L-rd strengthened it with His powers; that is, He strengthened the element of fire so that it was no longer affected by the terrestrial elements and in consequence, this phenomenon was generated by the action of the sun's rays. But if things had been left in their original state then all of the celestial elements would have been oriented towards transformation into the nature of the earthly elements, for the nature of the creation demands that the lower dominate the higher and transform it into itself. And it is according to this principle that the Ramban explains (Genesis 13:16): "And I will make your children as the dust of the earth." That is, the destiny of his children will parallel that of dust — all step upon it, but in the end it rises and envelops within itself those who step upon it. And if the nature of creation demands that those who are higher in nature and essence be vanquished and rendered lowly, how much more so should it follow that one who exalts himself with what he does not possess be rendered lowly. This explains the verse: "Before destruction there goes pride," and the words of the sages of blessed memory: "If he is presumptuous, the Holy One Blessed be He lowers him." For this, indeed, accords with the just ways of the L-rd, and the nature of the creation demands it. If so, what escape is there from this [dilemma of discoursing upon the creation]?