תהלים, פרק ק״ט, פסוק ט״ז

A sharp contrast exists between a person's complete lack of empathy and their deliberate cruelty toward the most vulnerable members of society. This wicked individual possessed the means and ability to help those in need, yet completely refrained from doing so [אבן עזרא, מצודת דוד]. He became so deeply entrenched in a lifestyle of malice that throughout his entire life, he never once thought to perform a single act of kindness [רד״ק, מאירי].

Viewed through a historical lens, this profound ingratitude points to the figure of Esau. He demonstrated this moral failure by neglecting to mourn the passing of his grandfather Abraham [רש״י]. Furthermore, he completely erased from his memory the life-saving kindness of his brother Jacob, who fed him when he was exhausted and on the brink of death [אלשיך].

Rather than offering help, the wicked directed active malice toward those who were already suffering. They relentlessly hunted individuals whose hearts were aching and crushed by life's heavy troubles [מצודת ציון, רד״ק, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Instead of showing mercy to these humble and broken individuals, the wicked added to their suffering with the clear intention of bringing about their death [מאירי, מצודת דוד].

The identity of this vulnerable, pursued target is understood in two primary ways. One perspective suggests that King David is reflecting on his own painful experiences, describing his personal reality as a helpless, impoverished, and broken-hearted victim hunted by his enemies [רד״ק, אבן עזרא]. Alternatively, continuing the historical narrative, the victim represents Jacob suffering under Esau's relentless pursuit [אלשיך], or serves as a broader symbol for the entire nation of Israel [רש״י].