תהלים, פרק קכ״א, פסוק ג׳

A comforting and encouraging voice calls out to anyone who places their trust in God. This voice might be the poet speaking gently to his own soul, a friend offering comfort to another, or the Holy Spirit addressing an individual directly. The central message serves as a beacon of hope, especially for those suffering in exile, urging them not to give up despite the long wait. It reassures them that God's watchful care is continuous, deeply personal, and never-ending.

God promises to provide internal support, ensuring that a person does not stumble or suffer a total collapse. The primary approach among commentators is that God grants a firm footing, holding the individual up from within. This allows a person to walk securely through life, much like someone walking safely along city streets or high walls without slipping [אבן עזרא, מלבי״ם]. Taking a more spiritual perspective, another view suggests that the stumbling block refers to the evil inclination. When a person actively seeks purity and relies on God, He provides direct help, guarding them from surrendering to temptation and sin [אלשיך].

While the promise of a steady foot represents internal support, there is also a guarantee of external protection against sudden harm. God acts as a personal guardian standing right beside the individual, similar to watchmen guarding the walls of a besieged city at night [אבן עזרא, מלבי״ם]. However, unlike a human guard who might grow tired and drift into a light sleep, God never removes His watchful eye. His protection is constantly alert, never pausing even for a moment. This endless vigilance shields a person from unexpected obstacles and sudden spiritual failings, and it is given to every single person individually, rather than just to the nation as a whole [אלשיך]. Furthermore, even if a long and painful exile feels as though God is asleep, He never actually slumbers in His constant watch over Israel [רד״ק].