תהלים, פרק צ״ט, פסוק ח׳

God's relationship with the greatest leaders of Israel represents a profound balance of immense kindness and precise justice. When figures like Moses, Aaron, and Samuel prayed on behalf of the people, God answered them directly. He did not send an angel to respond, because angels lack the authority to forgive sins; only God Himself can grant such a pardon [אלשיך]. The primary approach among commentators is that this divine forgiveness was not directed at the leaders themselves. Rather, God pardoned the entire nation of Israel and carried their burdens in the merit of these devoted men.

While God extended great mercy to the nation, He also maintained strict accountability for actions. Commentators offer two distinct views on how this justice was applied. One approach maintains that God held the leaders themselves accountable for their personal missteps. Even as He answered their prayers and spared the nation, He did not overlook their individual faults. Moses and Aaron faced consequences for their actions at the waters of Meribah, and Samuel was held responsible for failing to guide his sons on a good path. This strict judgment highlights God's absolute holiness and perfect justice. He shows no favoritism, evaluating His most righteous servants with exacting precision [רש״י, ביאור שטיינזלץ, מצודת דוד].

Conversely, a second approach suggests that God's justice was directed not at the leaders, but at those who rebelled against them and caused them harm. In this view, God avenged Moses and Aaron by severely punishing Korah and his followers. Similarly, He supported Samuel by bringing down thunder and rain to rebuke the rebellious nation. Through these actions, God demonstrated His active providence, defending and protecting His loyal servants from their adversaries [רד״ק, אבן עזרא, אלשיך, מאירי].