True leadership is never measured in isolation; a ruler's power and legacy are entirely dependent on the people who follow them. The glory of a sovereign is visibly reflected in the size and vitality of the nation.
The primary approach among commentators focuses on the practical reality of governance. A king's honor, influence, and military strength against enemies rely directly on having a large population to lead. Conversely, when a nation's population dwindles, the government inevitably faces weakness and collapse [רלב״ג, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. This decline is not merely a matter of chance. It often stems from a leader who lacks reverence for God [אבן עזרא], or from poor governance. A ruler who imposes harsh, alien laws creates bitter divisions that consume the population, whereas a leader who pursues peace and guides with care allows the nation to multiply and thrive [אמרי דעת].
While a king rules over a broad political entity and draws glory from the sheer numbers of the masses, other forms of leadership, such as that of a prince or local official, operate differently [מצודת ציון, מלבי״ם, אלשיך]. A spiritual advisor or religious leader focuses on guiding a community bound by shared faith. In this realm, even if a country boasts a massive population, the spiritual leader faces total failure if the people lack faith and knowledge, leaving the leader powerless to achieve anything meaningful [מלבי״ם]. From another perspective, the size of the population can actually be a threat depending on the ruler's strength. While a mighty king gains honor from a vast nation, a weak, local prince faces grave danger from a large crowd. Without the firm authority to maintain control, a massive population is likely to rebel, meaning such a prince is actually safer with fewer subjects [אלשיך].
On a cosmic level, this dynamic mirrors the relationship between God and humanity. God is entirely self-sufficient and did not create the world out of personal need. Rather, creation serves to reveal His wisdom and greatness through the existence of a vast multitude [עמנואל הרומי]. God's glory is most profoundly expressed when a large, righteous public dedicates itself to performing His Commandments. However, when people abandon their connection to God, it creates a perceived absence in His honor, leading Him to allow foreign nations to rule over His children [רש״י].
Yet, the ultimate measure of this divine glory is not strictly numerical. Even if the group of people serving God is small, their impact can be immense. When individuals perform Commandments with pure intentions and intense dedication, they project a spiritual strength that strikes fear into earthly rulers, ultimately bringing the highest honor to the King of Kings [מצודת דוד].