תהלים, פרק כ״ה, פסוק י״ג

A person who lives with a true reverence for God receives a profound and lasting reward. This reward is not limited to a single moment or even a single lifetime, but expands across physical and spiritual realms, touching both the individual and the generations that follow.

The primary approach among commentators is that the promise of ultimate peace refers to the eternal soul. When a person's life ends, their soul finds true tranquility in the World to Come, which serves as the core of their reward [רש״י, רד״ק, מצודת דוד, מלבי״ם]. Others view this promise through an earthly lens, suggesting that it refers to the physical life force. In this view, the individual is guaranteed a life of peace, living out their days in comfort until death [אבן עזרא]. Blending these ideas, the peaceful rest promised by God can be seen as applying to both a calm, untroubled sleep during a person's earthly life and the eternal rest of the soul after death [ביאור שטיינזלץ].

Beyond personal peace, the reward extends outward to ensure continuity. Because of an individual's righteous choices, God blesses their children with success and a secure place in the world [רד״ק, מצודת דוד]. A person deeply devoted to God often focuses on spiritual peace rather than chasing material wealth. Because they willingly pass up worldly pleasures during their lifetime, the physical rewards generated by their good deeds are saved up and inherited by their children [אלשיך]. Alternatively, these two forms of reward might be granted selectively, with God choosing to bestow either personal spiritual peace or earthly success for the next generation [אלשיך].

On a deeper level, this dual promise of personal peace and generational success points to even higher spiritual gifts. It hints that God rewards the devoted individual with two ultimate treasures: the ability to grasp His hidden secrets and the preservation of His lasting covenant [מאירי].