איוב, פרק כ״א, פסוק י״א

The lives of the wicked are characterized by peace, security, and power, extending even to their offspring. Their young children and infants experience a reality completely insulated from normal vulnerabilities [אבן עזרא, רלב״ג, מצודת ציון].

One perspective views this as a natural state of absolute freedom and safety. The wicked allow their children to roam completely free and unsupervised, much like an untended flock of sheep. These children run, play, and jump with boundless energy and confidence, entirely devoid of fear or the risk of harm [מצודת דוד, מלבי״ם, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

Another perspective presents an exaggerated, almost miraculous reality of strength and independence that begins the moment these children are born. According to this view, the infants of the wicked are capable of walking and jumping immediately after birth. A mother might send her newborn moments after delivery to fetch the scissors needed to cut his own umbilical cord, or ask him to light a candle for her. Furthermore, if the newborn were to encounter a harmful force right at birth, he would already possess the strength to fight it off [רש״י, אלשיך].

This miraculous view also helps clarify the distinction between the different age groups of the offspring. There is a debate regarding the exact relationship between the infants and the older children. One approach suggests that the infants are actually older than the children, with their description carrying a derogatory tone [מלבי״ם]. Conversely, another approach reverses this order to explain the progression of events: the infants are the actual newborns who are sent to bring the scissors, while the children are their older siblings who witness the birth and immediately begin to dance and celebrate [אלשיך].