תהלים, פרק ק״ו, פסוק מ״ב

Throughout history, the Israelites faced periods of intense oppression under cruel foreign rule. This harsh treatment was a deliberate process designed to break their pride and bring them to a state of total surrender. The primary approach among commentators is that the enemies placed severe pressure and distress upon the nation, resulting in profound physical humiliation and defeat. While some view the dual themes of extreme pressure and subsequent surrender as a simple emphasis on their suffering, another perspective sees a deeper transformation. The submission went beyond physical control; it marked a profound process of repentance and spiritual humility. This genuine breaking of the spirit was exactly what paved the way for God to repeatedly rescue them [אבן עזרא].

The exact setting of this suffering offers two distinct angles. On one hand, this intense pressure was inflicted upon the Israelites specifically while they were still dwelling within their own borders [רד"ק]. On the other hand, a contrasting view suggests that such a deep level of surrender could only occur once the people were displaced. Had they remained in their homeland, they would never have truly submitted. This raises a compelling question: why would God choose to punish them by placing them under foreign control in an environment where they might easily assimilate and adopt the ways of their captors? Why not simply leave them in the land of Israel and withdraw His protection from them there? The answer lies in the constant holiness of the land. God's presence never entirely leaves it, and the Divine Presence never departs from the Western Wall. Because of this enduring closeness to Him, achieving absolute submission required that the people be handed over and enslaved by their enemies away from that sacred space [אלשיך].