דניאל, פרק י״א, פסוק ל״ג

During periods of severe crisis and harsh persecution, spiritual leaders take on the heavy responsibility of guiding and strengthening their communities. These leaders are the sages of Israel. Some identify them specifically as the scholars of the Mishnaic era, such as the house of Rabbi Judah the Prince, while others view them more broadly as the wise teachers present in every generation [רש"י, אבן עזרא]. Their primary mission is to educate the masses by explaining the laws of the covenant and the Torah. Through this teaching, they aim to give the public the inner strength to remain firm in their faith and to prevent them from abandoning their religion when faced with overwhelming hardship [רש"י, מצודת דוד, מלבי"ם, יוסף אבן יחיא].

However, this deep dedication comes at a terrible price. The situation for these leaders and their people steadily worsens under the weight of brutal decrees and the broader destruction of exile [אבן עזרא, רש"י, מלבי"ם]. Because of their commitment to their faith, they face intense persecution. They fall victim to the sword and to fire, are taken as captives, and suffer the looting of all their property until they are left completely destitute [יוסף אבן יחיא]. Furthermore, this deep suffering is not a brief trial, but a tragedy that endures for a very long time [מצודת דוד, יוסף אבן יחיא, ביאור שטיינזלץ].