איכה, פרק ג׳, פסוק כ״ב

The enduring survival of the Israelites through centuries of exile and severe hardship serves as the most powerful testament to constant divine providence and endless mercy. Even when suffering reaches its absolute peak and despair threatens to take over, salvation from God can arrive in the blink of an eye [תורה תמימה].

When reflecting on this ongoing survival, commentators offer two interconnected ways to understand the nature of this divine protection. The first perspective focuses entirely on the boundless nature of God Himself, explaining that His acts of kindness are infinite and simply never fade away or come to an end [רש״י, אבן עזרא, צאינה וראינה]. The second perspective shifts the focus to the people, expressing a collective realization that it is solely because of God's deep kindness that the nation was not completely wiped out, whether as a result of their own sins or due to harsh historical decrees [רש״י, אבן עזרא, פלגי מים]. This profound recognition echoes the historical voice of the Israelites throughout every period of their exile [ביאור שטיינזלץ].

Other nations might look at the lengthy and painful exile of the Israelites and conclude that God has permanently removed His favor from them. However, the actual reality tells a very different story. The nation has survived like a single sheep scattered among wolves. Despite enemies rising to destroy them in every single generation, their continued existence is the ultimate proof that divine kindness still surrounds and protects them. The sheer fact that they have not been completely destroyed by brutal decrees is the clearest evidence that His mercies are truly endless [אלון בכות, פלגי מים].