תהלים, פרק קמ״ט, פסוק ד׳

The transition from exile to redemption marks a profound shift in the relationship between God and the Israelites. As their condition transforms from oppression to majesty, the deep bond they share is fully revealed. Because of this dramatic reversal, it is fitting for the Israelites to praise God for their salvation more than any other nation [רד״ק].

God's choice of the Israelites and their release from exile are now clearly visible to the entire world [מצודת דוד, המאירי]. This divine favor stems from the Israelites being the most humble of all nations [רד״ק]. However, the long period of hardship does not imply that God abandoned or rejected His people during the exile. The extended wait for salvation until the end of days is a deliberate design to preserve human free will and uphold the framework of reward and punishment [אלשיך].

While God favors the nation as a whole, He extends a special, elevated treatment to the humble, who represent the righteous individuals among the people [מלבי״ם]. During the redemption, God grants immense beauty and glory to these humble individuals [מצודת ציון]. Those who endured misery and oppression in exile, learning true humility through their suffering, will be cleansed of their sins and lifted to a highly honored status [ביאור שטיינזלץ, אלשיך].

The salvation they experience becomes a mark of honor in itself, to the extent that God Himself serves as their ultimate glory [מלבי״ם]. In a remarkable act of grace, God even allows these humble individuals to take pride in the redemption. He makes it appear as though they brought about the salvation through their own strength, even though the deliverance is entirely His doing [אלשיך].