תהלים, פרק ט״ז, פסוק ט׳

A profound sense of closeness to God creates a rare state of total harmony, where a person experiences absolute spiritual and physical security. In this unique condition, the mind, the soul, and the physical body all unite in inner joy and share in divine protection.

This joy stems directly from God's constant presence and support [שטיינזלץ]. It is built on a deep trust that God will never abandon a person, a confidence strengthened by the knowledge that He has already forgiven severe past mistakes, such as the sin involving Bathsheba [רש״י, אלשיך]. The primary approach among commentators is that human intellect and thought are the foundation of this steady happiness [אבן עזרא, מאירי]. The joy felt in the mind is a continuous state, achieved by overcoming negative urges on a daily basis [מלבי״ם] and by successfully fulfilling one's deepest spiritual desires [מצודת דוד].

Alongside the intellect, the soul acts as the true honor of the human person. While the mind's joy remains steady, the soul experiences fresh bursts of happiness and renewal each time it grows and rises to a higher spiritual level [מלבי״ם]. This dynamic creates perfect inner harmony. Unlike the temporary pleasure of doing wrong, which might satisfy the body while saddening the soul, the joy of fulfilling a Commandment elevates both the physical and the spiritual self together [אלשיך]. Furthermore, the soul rejoices in the absolute certainty that when the time comes to leave the physical world, it will immediately attach itself to its Creator [רד״ק].

This profound sense of security ultimately extends to the physical body itself, a concept understood through two complementary perspectives. The first perspective focuses on life in this world, explaining that by remaining closely attached to God, a person's physical body receives complete protection from harm, illness, and the unpredictable changes of time [אבן עזרא, רד״ק, מאירי]. The second perspective shifts this promise to the afterlife, ensuring that the body will rest securely in the grave [מצודת דוד]. According to traditional teachings, this means the physical form will be preserved whole after death, completely protected from decay and worms [תורה תמימה, רד״ק, אלשיך]. Beyond the grave, this physical security is also understood as a hint toward the future resurrection of the dead, pointing to an eternal pleasure that the body is destined to experience [מאירי].