תהלים, פרק ק״ו, פסוק מ״ה

The relationship between God and the Israelites is defined by an eternal commitment, ensuring that a path to forgiveness remains open even in the face of severe decrees. This profound divine mercy is awakened when the Israelites turn back to God in repentance [רש״י]. It is also stirred by the earnest prayers of the devoted and the collective cry of the people [מאירי].

At the heart of this forgiveness is God remembering His covenant. The primary approach among commentators is that this refers to the ancient pact made with the forefathers. However, [אבן עזרא] disagrees, arguing that since the covenant with the forefathers was already mentioned earlier, this specific memory points to the Sinai covenant made with the generation that left Egypt.

As God remembers this bond, He withdraws His anger, canceling the harsh punishments that the people rightfully deserved [רד״ק, שטיינזלץ, מצודת דוד, אלשיך]. Because God is unchanging, [אבן עזרא] emphasizes that describing Him as feeling regret or changing His mind is simply a metaphor, using human language to make a divine process understandable to people. This shift in divine judgment is not merely a historical event; [רש״י] notes that it also connects to the end of days, a time when God will once again hear the cries of a people seeking ultimate salvation.

Ultimately, God's rescue and forgiveness are driven by His overwhelming kindness rather than the actual deeds of the Israelites [מצודת דוד]. Even when the protective merit of the forefathers is completely exhausted, God's abundant kindness continues to endure, forever shielding and sustaining the people [אלשיך].