Divine Help Beyond Strict Law

ברש"י ז"ל שגלוי לפניו שאין נ"ר באומות לשוב כו' טוב לי שיתקשה לבו כו'.

“In Rashi: It was revealed before Him that there is no satisfaction among the nations to return, etc., ‘It is better for Me that his heart be hardened,’ etc.”

The Sefat Emet begins by citing Rashi’s explanation that God knew the nations would not truly return in repentance, and therefore allowed Pharaoh’s heart to harden.

א"כ יש להוכיח מכ"ש מי שרוצה בלב שלם לעבדו ית'.

“If so, one may infer all the more so regarding someone who desires with a whole heart to serve Him, blessed be He.”

If God reacts in this way even to those who lack true desire, certainly someone who sincerely wishes to serve God is judged even more favorably.

ושלא לסור מעבודתו ית'.

“And not to deviate from His service, blessed be He.”

Such a person’s commitment never wavers from the path of divine service.

אף כי אינו מוציאו מכח אל הפועל.

“Even if he does not bring it from potential into actual.”

Even when one fails to actualize one’s intentions, sincere desire retains spiritual value.

עוזר לו הש"י לפנים משורת הדין.

“The Holy One helps him beyond the strict measure of the law.”

God supports such a person with mercy that surpasses strict judgment.

כי מדה טובה מרובה.

“For the measure of goodness is greater.”

Divine kindness outweighs divine judgment.

וגלוי לפניו שעיקר רצון בנ"י לעבודתו ית'.

“And it is revealed before Him that the essential desire of the children of Israel is for His service, blessed be He.”

God sees that Israel’s core, inner will is always oriented toward serving Him.

ושאין נ"ר לבנ"י לנטות מרצונו.

“And that the children of Israel have no satisfaction in deviating from His will.”

Any deviation from God’s will is foreign to Israel’s true nature and brings them no inner peace.

טוב לחזק לבבם ולהטות לבם אליו ית'.

“It is good to strengthen their hearts and incline their hearts toward Him, blessed be He.”

Therefore God supports and encourages their hearts to remain attached to Him.

Summary: Since God knows Israel’s inner desire is always toward Him, He assists them beyond strict judgment, strengthening their hearts even when their deeds fall short of their intentions.