God’s profound mercy is deeply rooted in His understanding of human frailty. Knowing that people are bound by physical limitations, driven by natural urges, and given only a brief time on earth, God softens His judgment. He does not hold humanity to impossible standards, recognizing the inherent struggles of earthly existence [ביאור שטיינזלץ].
The primary approach among commentators views human physicality as a powerful force that makes mistakes almost inevitable. The physical body naturally craves physical things to sustain and strengthen itself, leading people to constantly chase earthly pleasures [אבן עזרא]. Another perspective suggests that emphasizing human physicality points to physical weakness rather than desire. People simply do not possess the stamina to endure God's full anger; if He were to punish them with strict justice, they would not survive the blow [רבי משה הכהן המובא באבן עזרא].
Human life is fleeting, which adds another layer to this struggle. Aware that the connection between body and soul is only temporary, people often rush to experience worldly pleasures before their time runs out [אבן עזרא]. Because their days are so few, they desperately need God's forgiveness while they are still alive [רד״ק, מאירי]. Conversely, some view this passing internal force not as the soul of life, but as the human urge to do wrong. Knowing that its time is limited and it will disappear at death, this inner drive works aggressively to tempt a person throughout their life [מצודת דוד, מלבי״ם].
When life ends, the spirit departs and naturally does not come back. Commentators clarify that this permanent departure describes the standard laws of nature. It does not contradict the belief that God, through His own will, will perform the future miracle of bringing the dead back to life [רד״ק, מאירי].
On a deeper level, these human limitations form a built-in defense during heavenly judgment. When a person is judged, the physical body argues that it is nothing but lifeless dirt, completely incapable of acting on its own. At the same time, the soul argues that once it leaves the body, it exists in a pure state and commits no wrongs. While these arguments do not completely erase guilt, since the wrongs were committed by the body and soul acting together, they are enough to stir God's compassion and lessen the severity of His decree [אלשיך].