תהלים, פרק קכ״ט, פסוק ו׳

The enemies of Israel are likened to a fragile, fleeting natural phenomenon, with their downfall arriving suddenly before they can execute their plots or reach the height of their power. This fate is captured through a curse that the wicked should be like grass sprouting on flat roofs made of earth and clay [ביאור שטיינזלץ, מצודת ציון]. Because these rooftops lack a deep layer of soil to provide adequate moisture and nourishment, any vegetation that grows there has no permanence or stability [רד"ק, אבן עזרא, מצודת דוד]. Completely exposed, the grass is subjected to the scorching heat of the sun from above, causing it to wither rapidly [רד"ק, מצודת דוד, מלבי"ם].

This withering occurs remarkably early. Commentators offer two ways to understand just how premature this end truly is. One approach explains that the grass dries up completely before a person even arrives to pluck or uproot it from its place [רש"י, מצודת ציון, מלבי"ם]. Another perspective suggests that this early demise refers to the natural growth process of the plant itself. According to this view, before the grass can even fully emerge from the roof, produce a flower, or realize its potential, it is already entirely dry [רד"ק, אבן עזרא, מאירי, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

This vivid imagery delivers a sharp message regarding the ultimate fate of the wicked. Just as rooftop grass never survives long enough to reach the harvest [מלבי"ם, מאירי], the enemies of Israel will perish prematurely, long before they can fully develop or complete their schemes [אלשיך]. Ultimately, the intense sun beating down on the grass from above serves as a symbol for the watchful providence and strict justice of God, Who punishes the wicked and wipes them out before their time [מלבי"ם].