Discovering Mercy: How Divine Justice Is Rooted in Compassion

A powerful truth runs through all of Hashem’s guidance of the world. It is rooted in mercy. Even when punishment is involved, it is never meant to signal rejection or abandonment. Hashem’s love for His people never diminishes.

To understand this, the Torah itself teaches us how to respond when someone from Israel is suffering. When a person loses a loved one, there is a mitzvah to comfort them, to sit with them during the days of mourning so they do not feel alone. When someone is ill, we are obligated to pray for their recovery and assist them. When a person loses their livelihood, charity requires us to support them and help restore their stability. And when someone is imprisoned, redeeming them is considered one of the greatest mitzvot.

Helping the One Who Was Punished

At first glance, this seems puzzling. If Hashem is the One who brought about the suffering, why are we commanded to intervene? Wouldn’t helping the person appear to go against Hashem’s will?

The answer is fundamental. Hashem punishes for the sake of correction, not destruction. His concern is that a person might collapse under the weight of suffering, fall into despair, and lose hope. This was never the intention of punishment.

Because Hashem knows human weakness and how easily pain can lead to hopelessness, He commands others to step in immediately. They are meant to strengthen, encourage, and uplift the one who is suffering. Preventing despair is itself part of Hashem’s will.

I Will Fear No Evil

This idea is beautifully expressed by King David in Psalms. “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me” (Tehillim 23:4).

What does it mean to fear no evil when one is already experiencing trouble?

King David teaches that while Hashem may send a particular hardship, a person often adds an extra layer of suffering through fear, worry, and dark imaginings. A person who loses a job may fear permanent ruin. Someone whose marriage is delayed may imagine they will always be alone. These fears are not part of the original decree.

David teaches us to face the challenge itself without assuming it will lead to destruction. Knowing that Hashem is a loving Father, he understands that hardship is meant to guide, not to destroy. This is the essence of bitachon, trust in Hashem. It means calming oneself, nurturing hope, and believing that mercy will prevail.

Hashem Suffers With Us

Another powerful expression of divine mercy appears in the Mishnah in Sanhedrin. Rabbi Meir teaches that when a person suffers, the Shechinah says, “My head is heavy, my arm is heavy.” If Hashem expresses sorrow even over the suffering of the wicked, how much more so over the suffering of the righteous.

This teaches that Hashem does not stand distant while a person suffers. He shares in that pain. As the prophet Isaiah says, “In all their distress, He too was distressed,” and again in Psalms, “I am with him in trouble.”

Imagining this changes everything. It is like a child who is hurt and then lifted into a parent’s arms, comforted and soothed. “As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you,” says Hashem.

Words of Comfort From Hashem

If one truly listened inwardly, they might hear Hashem saying:

My beloved child, endure this hardship. It is necessary. You lost your way, became distracted, and forgot your purpose. I corrected you so you could return and merit the good prepared for you. But do not despair. Do not fear abandonment. I never leave you.

As it is written, “For Hashem will not abandon His people, nor forsake His inheritance.”

Because Hashem acts this way, we are commanded to do the same. Comforting the afflicted, supporting the poor, visiting the sick, lending, and giving charity all reflect Hashem’s conduct. Saving a soul from despair fulfills the commandment, “Do not stand idly by when your fellow’s life is at stake.”

Trusting Even While Being Corrected

Alongside these mitzvot, we are also commanded to trust Hashem and maintain hope, even joy, during hardship. This may seem strange. Is there a servant whose king punishes him yet expects him to rejoice?

Yes, when the servant understands that the king is with him in his suffering and that the punishment is meant to save and elevate him. Hashem desires that we recognize His presence even in pain, confident that He will ultimately redeem us from it.

This is what King David meant when he said, “For You are with me.” The knowledge that Hashem shares his pain was itself the greatest comfort.

Only Goodness and Mercy

A wise person who understands Hashem’s ways lives with deep peace. As King David says, “Only goodness and mercy shall pursue me all the days of my life.”

David does not say this as a request, but as a statement of truth. Even when he was chased by enemies, he understood that what was truly pursuing him was goodness and mercy. Even what appeared as hardship was guiding him toward growth.

Consider a father who disciplines his child out of love. When the child later understands the intention and approaches his father with trust, the father rejoices in the child’s wisdom. There is no longer a need for strict discipline.

But when a child responds with anger and resentment, refusing to see the love behind the correction, the pain is doubled. As the prophet laments, “In vain have I struck your children. They accepted no correction.”

The Wisdom of Trust

True wisdom lies in recognizing that Hashem’s attributes are kindness and mercy, and that all His guidance leads to good, even when it does not appear so at first. This recognition prevents despair, softens suffering, and allows correction to fulfill its purpose.

This is the meaning of living with faith.