תהלים, פרק י״ח, פסוק מ״א

The struggle against opposition unfolds in two distinct stages. First comes the panicked retreat of the attackers, followed by the complete destruction of those who harbor deep hatred.

Victory begins when the attackers turn their backs and flee. The primary approach among commentators is that this retreat is entirely the result of God's help. By causing the enemies to run away, God places them in a vulnerable position, allowing them to be easily pursued. This echoes an ancient blessing from the Torah, which speaks of a person's hand resting on the neck of their retreating foes [אבן עזרא, אלשיך].

A careful distinction is made between general enemies and those who hold a deep hatred. The initial victory over the enemies, marked by their rapid flight, is already guaranteed and granted in advance by God. Because this first stage of triumph is assured, the focus shifts toward a deeper plea. The central prayer is that God will not withhold the ability to completely root out and permanently destroy those who harbor true hatred [אלשיך]. This ultimate outcome involves nothing less than their absolute removal and destruction [מצודת ציון, ביאור שטיינזלץ].