My question is really directed to Rabbi Kornfeld Shlito based on what he has written on the Gemoros of Makkos 10a and Shabbos 30b but I am sure anyone can answer it
I am a bit confused based on the Sugya here in Sotah 21A that Rav Yosef clearly says that the Zechus of Limmud HaTorah protects you whether you are learning or not Keilu its a "cumulative" protection "Ma ShEyn Keyn" to Mitzvos that only protects while you are performing them so I cant understand how we answer the cases of the 2 Gemoros of Bameh Madlikin 30b with Dovid Hamelech and Makkos 10A with Rav Chisda how was the Malach Hamoves able to kill them surely their Torah learning protected them even when they stopped for a minute.
I hope someone can be Masbir Peshat in all 3 Sugyos please
Shkoyach VeKol Tuv
Boruch Kahan, London, England
Shalom, Reb Boruch! Regarding your question -
(a) We may not ask on the conclusions of our Gemara from King David and Rav Chisda, as once a person's time has come and he has filled the number of days alloted to him (see Yevamos 49b), the Zechus of Torah that he learned during his lifetime cannot stop him from returning his soul to his Creator. Otherwise the world would not continue to function as we know it! Rashi tells us that Torah is "Migna" from suffering - death at its natural time cannot be called "suffering" (even if suffering due to bad Mazal can be called "suffering", as noted in the Insights).
(b) However, the Maharsha asks a question similar to yours from Doag, who studied Torah (as the Gemara says) and yet died before his time (Sanhedrin 106b). Yet others ask from the Talmid Chacham in Shabbos 13a who died before his time. The Maharsha answers that learning Torah does not prevent the punishment of death (since it prevents the person from sinning any more! - Toras ha'Kena'os), although it does stop other punishments.
(c) The AHAVAS EISAN points out that even according to the Maharsha, Torah study does prevent death whle one is actively studying, as can be proven by the Gemaras that you cited.
Best wishes
Rabbi Mordecai Kornfeld
Kollel Iyun Hadaf