The bond between the Israelites and God rests on a foundation of love, direct providence, and a shared history of miracles. At the heart of this relationship is the understanding that God's exclusive presence in the life of the nation serves as the ultimate source of a believer's pride and glory. The primary approach among commentators emphasizes that all praise must be directed solely toward God, recognizing that no other powers or idols hold any true authority [רמב״ן, רלב״ג, רבנו בחיי, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Conversely, this dynamic also positions God as the very source of human pride. The realization that the King of the entire universe is intimately connected to them is an immense privilege, one that believers can rightfully boast about [אבן עזרא, ספורנו, שד״ל, בכור שור, חזקוני, הכתב והקבלה]. Because of this profound connection, the Israelites themselves become a subject of admiration and glory in the eyes of all other nations [רמב״ן, הטור הארוך, ביאור יש״ר].
On a deeper, more internal level, this sense of glory flows from a profound recognition of God's abundant kindnesses [מלבי״ם]. It reflects a bond of love where a person's inner essence achieves complete fulfillment through connection with the Divine [רש״ר הירש]. Furthermore, this serves as a source of strength for those who choose to dedicate their lives entirely to loving God and providing financial support to Torah scholars. While such a path might seem unconventional to the general public, it is far from a disgrace; rather, it constitutes the truest form of glory for anyone who reaches such a spiritual height [העמק דבר].
This relationship is further defined by God uniquely associating His name with the Israelites, claiming them as His exclusive inheritance. This stands in sharp contrast to the rest of the nations, which are left to the governance of celestial ministers and other upper forces [רמב״ן, הטור הארוך, ביאור יש״ר]. In this role, God acts as the active director of the nation's destiny and daily actions [רש״ר הירש], as well as the ultimate judge who avenges them against their enemies [פענח רזא, בכור שור]. On a mystical level, this dynamic weaves together two distinct divine attributes: the concept of glory hints at the attribute of strict justice, while God's personal association with the nation points toward the attribute of mercy, both harmonizing to guide the people [רבנו בחיי].
The proof of this unique, direct providence is evident in God's historical actions. He does not merely act on behalf of the people, but works intimately alongside them, actively assisting individuals in attaining elevated spiritual levels [העמק דבר]. This historical intervention is marked by the open miracles experienced in Egypt, at the splitting of the Red Sea, and throughout the journey in the wilderness [רלב״ג]. These acts are divided into two distinct categories. The first represents the divine attributes of kindness and salvation [מלבי״ם, רש״ר הירש]. A prime example of this is the immense miracle of the nation's survival and growth; despite descending to Egypt as a mere seventy souls and facing brutal oppression designed to annihilate them, the people multiplied into a vast nation as numerous as the stars, entirely due to God's abundant goodness [רלב״ג, מלבי״ם]. In a different context, this greatness also alludes to the material wealth God grants individuals so they may support Torah scholars [העמק דבר].
In contrast, the second category of awe-inspiring and forceful deeds [נתינה לגר] points to the severe judgments and harsh punishments inflicted upon the Egyptians [רש״ר הירש]. On a spiritual plane, this concept describes an awe-inspiring path of piety, where an individual consciously detaches from the superficial vanities of the natural world, dedicating themselves entirely to the pursuit of Torah and the service of God [העמק דבר].