Why does it say "Lema'an"?
Radak: What I did to him was so that other great kings will not become haughty.
Malbim: This is a warning to kings of Egypt and Ashur not to be haughty about their height. They should know that all their influence is from Hashem, who lowers and raises. This corresponds to "Gavahta b'Komah" (10).
What are "Atzei Mayim"?
Rashi: They are soft and weak, but their branches are soft and long due to moisture. They cannot compare themselves to cedars of Eden. I.e. he should not have become haughty over Yisrael.
What do we learn from "El Bein Avosim"?
Rashi: "Kol Shosei Mayim" (refer to 31:14:5:1) will not be haughty to equate their Gevurah to that of fresh trees.
Malbim: They should not be haughty over other kings. This corresponds to "va'Yiten Tzamarto El Bein Avosim" (10).
Why is there a Tzeirei under the Aleph in "Eleihem"?
Radak #1: This is like "ka'Elah vecha'Alon" (Yeshayah 6:13) ? from these trees that you coveted. 1
Radak #2: This is the name of a tree, Ulemo (elm?) in old French.
Radak citing Targum Yonasan: It is like Aleihem with Chataf Patach under the Aleph ? all servants of the king will not raise themselves in their power.
Malbim: Their Elim, i.e. kings, who made themselves like Bnei Elim (angels) and gods. This will cease, for a god is eternal and elevated. All of them will die, "El Eretz Tachtis", and not to Shamayim and above the stars. Also refer to 31:14:6:1.
Rashi there says that these are elm and oak. Perhaps Radak's second Perush is elm. (PF)
What are "Kol Shosei Mayim"?
Radak: All cedars. Trees that drink [are over] water are tall due to the water under them. This is a metaphor for their success in kingship.
Malbim: They are those who receive influence.
What do we learn from "b'Soch Bnei Adam"?
Radak: [The kings will die] like other people. Malbim ? also this shows that they are not god!
Why does it say "El Yoredei Vor"?
Radak, Targum Yonasan: This is like Im (with) Yoredei Vor, i.e. with those who go to the grave.
