איוב, פרק כ״ד, פסוק ד׳

The daily reality for the vulnerable is one of constant terror, oppression, and forced concealment under the looming threat of the wicked. When considering how the destitute are driven away from the main roads, two distinct perspectives emerge. One approach suggests that the wicked violently push the poor out of their way [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. By doing so, they actively prevent these impoverished individuals, who remain close to God, from going door to door in the city to ask for charity [אלשיך]. Conversely, other scholars propose that the poor intentionally steer themselves away from the roads and into the wilderness. They do this out of a paralyzing fear of encountering the wicked and being exploited [מצודת דוד, רלב״ג].

This dread runs so deep that even those who possess absolutely nothing flee from the wicked, who stand like highway robbers along the travel routes [מלבי״ם]. Such behavior highlights the sheer magnitude of the cruelty at play. Under normal circumstances, those in need naturally seek out people of means, hoping to be seen and receive charity. In this harsh reality, however, they do the exact opposite and run away from them [תקות אנוש].

Driven by this overwhelming fear, the impoverished are forced to take cover. The primary approach among commentators is that all the poor retreat into secret hiding places or lock themselves inside their homes, seeking safety together [מצודת ציון]. Yet, this forced isolation carries a tragic consequence. By hiding from their oppressors, the poor lose any opportunity to gather bread and basic nourishment, effectively condemning themselves to death by starvation [אלשיך].