תהלים, פרק י״ח, פסוק מ״ב

In the moment of their ultimate defeat, the enemies of David face a crushing reality of complete helplessness. As their power crumbles, they search desperately for a way out, looking in every possible direction for rescue, yet they are met with total silence from both the earthly world and the heavens above.

Their initial reaction is to scream for help, only to discover that no one will save them. Commentators offer different perspectives on who exactly they attempt to call upon first. Some explain that these defeated foes reach out to their fellow humans, hoping that flesh-and-blood allies will come to their rescue [מצודת דוד, מלבי״ם]. Others suggest that they turn to their idols and false gods, only to realize that these objects of worship are entirely powerless to help them [רש״י, אלשיך].

Left with no other options, their deep despair drives them to finally cry out to God [אבן עזרא, רד״ק, מאירי, מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. However, their desperate prayers are firmly rejected, and God refuses to answer them. This divine silence stems from the insincerity of their plea, as they call out with their lips while their hearts remain distant from Him [רד״ק]. Furthermore, treating God merely as a backup plan after their idols fail invalidates their prayer entirely. Reaching out so late only proves their lack of true faith, making it a certainty that God will not respond [אלשיך].

On a historical level, this divine refusal to respond points to a specific chapter in David's life, serving as a reference to King Saul. When Saul found himself in deep distress, he too sought God's presence and guidance. Yet, God denied his requests, refusing to answer him through dreams or the Urim and Thummim [מאירי].