ישעיהו, פרק מ׳, פסוק כ״ח

In times of deep despair and doubt, particularly during the harsh reality of exile, the Israelites naturally fear that God has abandoned them or is unable to save them. Against this backdrop of hopelessness comes a powerful reminder of the Creator's absolute nature, blending the vastness of creation with intimate personal providence to explain why justice sometimes appears delayed [אבן עזרא, רד״ק, צאינה וראינה]. Humanity is invited to recognize God through two distinct channels. The first is internal: using human intellect, self-reflection, and logical deduction. The second is external: accepting the traditions and teachings passed down from sages and mentors [מלבי״ם, מצודת דוד, רד״ק, אבן עזרא, צאינה וראינה].

The foundational insight required is that God is eternal and unchanging [אבן עזרא]. He judges the entire world and constantly watches over it, at all times and in all places [רד״ק, מצודת דוד, צאינה וראינה]. As the architect of the furthest reaches of the earth, His rule is all-encompassing [מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Some commentators explain that this specific focus on the distant corners of the globe deliberately dismantles the pagan belief that different lands are governed by local deities [שד״ל]. Others suggest it highlights how God suspends the spherical earth in the vastness of space, holding it perfectly in place without any physical support, relying solely on His own power [רד״ק, אבן עזרא]. Naturally, if God created every distant corner of the universe, He is intimately aware of everything that happens within it and closely watches over His handiwork [מלבי״ם, רד״ק].

To counter any passing thought that God delays justice because He is weak or exhausted, it is made clear that He never grows tired. While some view the concepts of weariness and exhaustion as identical [מצודת ציון], others draw a precise distinction between them. One type of fatigue is an internal physical depletion, like a body lacking food or water, while the other is the exhaustion that comes from hard labor. God's power is entirely independent of external resources and knows no limits. He never loses His strength and never requires rest [מלבי״ם, אבן עזרא]. The ultimate proof of this infinite energy is that God continuously keeps the universe in motion, turning the celestial spheres without a single moment of pause [רד״ק].

This understanding inevitably leads to a profound question: If God created everything, constantly watches over His world, and possesses unlimited power, why does He prolong the exile, delay goodness, and hold back judgment from the wicked who oppress the Israelites? [רד״ק, רש״י, צאינה וראינה]. The answer lies in the boundless nature of His understanding. The concept of searching implies digging into the depths of the earth to uncover hidden things, but God's wisdom has no limits to be reached or measured [שד״ל]. Human beings simply cannot investigate, grasp, or confine His reasoning [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Just as His very essence remains beyond human comprehension, His knowledge and wisdom cannot be compared to our limited understanding [מלבי״ם]. Therefore, any delay in redemption or justice does not stem from a lack of ability, but from a profound wisdom that we cannot perceive [מצודת דוד, רד״ק, צאינה וראינה]. Sometimes, this delay and the accompanying hardships are actually designed for a person's ultimate benefit, serving to cleanse them of their transgressions and atone for their past wrongs [רש״י].