תהלים, פרק קמ״ה, פסוק כ׳

Divine providence creates a sharp divide between the ultimate fate of those who are devoted to God and those who pursue wickedness. This dynamic points toward a future where justice is absolute and the world is entirely repaired. A profound distinction exists between those who fear God and those who love Him. Reaching a state of love represents a higher spiritual level, as these individuals serve God out of pure devotion, entirely free from the desire for reward or the fear of punishment [רד״ק]. Because of this elevated state, the type of divine protection they receive is fundamentally different. While those who fear God are often rescued only after they have already fallen into trouble, those who love Him are guarded in advance. God shields them preemptively, ensuring that no harm or damage ever reaches them [אבן עזרא, רד״ק, מאירי].

On the opposite end of the spectrum, the ultimate destiny of the wicked is complete and total destruction [אבן עזרא, רד״ק, מאירי]. This absolute justice highlights a key difference between God and a human ruler. A mortal king might hesitate to eliminate all the criminals in his land, fearing they might form a rebellion against him. Furthermore, a human ruler is limited; he cannot punish crimes that are kept hidden from him. God, however, knows all hidden secrets and is able to completely and thoroughly uproot wickedness from the world [אבן עזרא].

This flawless reality, where God perfectly protects those who love Him and entirely removes the wicked, is a description of the Messianic era. In the present world, the presence of wicked individuals can withhold blessing and cause suffering even for the righteous few, as the righteous often bear the burden of their generation's sins. However, in the future, wickedness will be entirely erased from the earth. At that time, all of Israel will achieve the ultimate spiritual level of loving God, thereby earning His absolute and continuous protection [רד״ק, אלשיך].