1)

Why does it say "Shavti"?

1.

Ibn Ezra: I retracted from this idea, that it is good for man to rejoice, for I cannot rejoice, since there is extortion in the world. One's money is taken from him with force. A king, a judge who takes bribes, or a thief, oppresses him.

2.

Ri Kara: This is like one who says 'I return to my first words.' Before he discussed a generation in which oppressors are above the oppressed - "Mekom ha'Mishpat Shamah ha'Resha" (3:16). He taught that if you see a generation in which the Rasha rules over the Tzadik, do not be astounded. Now it returns to the first matter, to say that it is consolation for a man who does not see what will be after him (refer to 4:2:1:8).

3.

Seforno: Aside from my previous reasons for Yisrael's punishment, I found another reason.

4.

Metzudas David: I returned and saw all protests made in the world.

2)

How did he see all the oppressed?

1.

Rashi: It was via Ru'ach ha'Kodesh.

3)

Who are "ha'Ashukim"?

1.

Rashi: They are oppressed (punished) in Gehinom.

2.

Metzudas Tziyon: It is an expression of contention, like "v'Hayisa Ach Ashuk v'Gazul" (Devarim 28:29).

4)

What does the verse teach about their tears?

1.

Metzudas David: They flow and drip,

5)

Why does it say "Tachas ha'Shamesh"?

1.

Rashi: The acts are in place of and a substitute for Torah. Refer to 1:3:4:2.

6)

Why do the oppressed cry?

1.

Rav Sadya Gaon: It is because no one helps them (Ri Kara - to save them from their oppressors).

2.

Rashi (based on Sifri Re'eh 53): Cruel angels of destruction oppress them - "Overeu b'Emek ha'Bacha Mayan Yeshisuhu" (Tehilim 84:7) are people who descend to Gehinom.

3.

Seforno: Yisrael are exiled among the nations - "Ashukim Bnei Yisrael u'Vnei Yehudah Yachdav" (Yirmeyah 50:33).

7)

Why does it say "v'Ein Lahem Menachem"?

1.

Rav Sadya Gaon: No one helps them. Rashbam - no one returns the money that was taken from them.

2.

Ibn Ezra: Normally, one who mourns over a Mes, consolers come and he is consoled.

3.

Seforno: No one arouses them that there is hope via Teshuvah to extract their souls from affliction.

8)

What is the meaning of "umi'Yad Oshekeihem Ko'ach"?

1.

Rashi: Their oppressors force them and seize them with force.

2.

Ibn Ezra: The oppressors have power; the oppressed have strength only to cry.

3.

Seforno: They have no strength to escape their oppressors 1 via any efforts.

4.

Metzudas David: Even though they are oppressed via force, without justice, still, they have no consoler.


1

"V'Ein" applies also to "umi'Yad Oshekeihem Ko'ach." (PF)

9)

Why is "v'Ein Lahem Menachem" repeated?

1.

Ibn Ezra: His crying and screaming time after time does not help.

2.

Rashbam: The matter is repeated. This is all Hevel, for the one whose money was taken forcibly, he did not sin!

3.

Seforno: No one teaches them to pray b'Shem 1 , in a way that their Tefilah will be accepted - "u'Vikastem mi'Sham Es Hashem u'Matzasa Ki Sidreshenu b'Chol Levavcha uv'Chol Nafshecha" (Devarim 4:29).


1

Perhaps the text should say 'mi'Sham' (PF).

Sefer: Perek: Pasuk:

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