תהלים, פרק ק״ז, פסוק ג׳

Gathering those who are scattered across the world and bringing them to a place of safety stands as a profound expression of God's care and kindness. This act of gathering applies to individuals who have traveled far from their homes. It includes traveling merchants making their way through deserts from one country to another, as God watches over them and ensures their safe return [רד״ק, מצודת דוד]. Beyond the individual level, this gathering carries a deep national and historical meaning tied to redemption. It reflects the miracle of the Exodus, when God brought together all the Israelites, including children, elders, women, and their flocks, from across the vast land of Egypt in a single moment to lead them out as one. This extraordinary kindness stands as a promise and a source of hope for the Israelites, assuring them of a future redemption when the exiled will be gathered once again [אלשיך].

The specific directions outlined serve to map the borders of the inhabited world. East and west represent the full span of human civilization from one end to the other [אבן עזרא]. The north is also highlighted because it contains the primary concentration of the world's population. Interestingly, the south is entirely absent from this mapping. During ancient times, the southern regions were viewed as desolate and completely unsuited for living or trade because of the extreme heat and scorching sun [רד״ק, אבן עזרא].

In place of the south, the sea is mentioned. There is an approach suggesting this actually refers to the southern direction, named after the Red Sea which is located to the south [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Alternatively, others understand the sea in its literal sense. It refers to individuals returning from ocean islands [מצודת דוד] or merchants sailing between countries who are blessed with a safe journey home [רד״ק]. Furthermore, the mention of the sea serves as an early hint to one of the specific groups detailed later in the psalm, specifically sailors who are rescued from danger and called upon to offer their thanks to God [אבן עזרא].