תהלים, פרק פ״ט, פסוק ל״א

The divine covenant established with the royal house of David carries an eternal promise, yet it is accompanied by clear boundaries that test the spiritual dedication of future generations. A real possibility exists that the successors of the throne might distance themselves from the laws given at Sinai. Out of deep respect, the potential for such failure is attributed exclusively to the royal descendants rather than to King David himself [מאירי].

This spiritual decline begins with passive negligence, where the descendants simply stop studying and practicing the teachings out of inaction [אלשיך]. The focus then shifts to a failure in upholding justice, highlighting the central responsibility of a king to judge the people [אבן עזרא]. This failure is not limited to a total abandonment of the law. It also includes a superficial observance, where the leaders might carry out judicial duties merely out of routine and habit, lacking the profound awareness that they are executing God's divine will [אלשיך].

Despite these strict conditions, the broader promise remains secure, and breaking the rules does not destroy the covenant itself. If the descendants sin and abandon the teachings, God will certainly discipline them, much like a father corrects a child. However, He will never strip the royal authority from them completely. The promise of kingship is guaranteed forever. Just like the sun and the moon, its light might be temporarily hidden by an eclipse, but it will never truly fade [מאירי, אלשיך].