OU TORAH Parshas Bechukosai Part 3 By Rav Moshe Twersky, HY"D

From this pasuk, the Raavad contests the Rambam’s statement that the world will continue to function according to natural law even once Mashiach comes, and the nevuos that describe miraculous things like wolves living with lambs, etc. is metaphorical expression (Hilchos Melachim 12:1). The Rambam explains that the idea of this allegory is that the other nations, who are likened to wolves and leopards, will no longer pose a threat to Klal Yisrael. Rather, everyone will embrace the truth, and not steal, but eat only that which is permissible in a pleasant manner with Klal Yisrael. All the miraculous depictions, concludes the Rambam, are to be understood in this manner; and during the time of Melech Ha’Mashiach it will become known exactly what each mashal meant. The obvious question, which is pointed out by the Radvaz, is what exactly is the Raavad’s challenge?! What is it about this pasuk that poses any more of a difficulty on the Rambam than any other pasuk? It can also be understood as a mashal!