Midras Mazmur 119:122: Midrash Tanchuma & Midrash Tehillim

When you go out to war, etc. (Deuteronomy 20:1): What is written above the matter? "And the judges shall make a thorough investigation" (Deuteronomy 19:18). From when the judges execute judgement, you [can] go out to war and you will be victorious. And so did David state (Psalms 119:121), "I have done justice and righteousness; do not abandon me to those who would wrong me." And it is [also] written (Psalms 119:122), "Guarantee Your servant’s well-being; do not let the arrogant wrong me." So too is the Holy One, blessed be He, only brought up in the world through judgement, as it is stated (Isaiah 5:16), "And the Lord of hosts is exalted by justice." Rabban Shimon ben Gamliel says (Avot 1:18), "On three things the world stands: On justice, on truth and on peace, as it is said (Zachariah 8:16), 'Judge truth and the justice of peace in your gates.'" Rabbi Yehoshua ben Levi said, "And all of [these things] are dependent upon judgement, as through judgement is peace and truth established." Therefore when Israel is executing judgement, the Holy One, blessed be He, brings down their enemies in front of them, as it is stated (Psalms 81:14-15), "If only My people listens to Me, etc. Quickly I would subdue their enemies, etc." And what are the ways of the Holy One, blessed be He? Righteousness and justice, as it is stated (Genesis 18:19), "and they shall keep the way of the Lord by doing righteousness and justice." Therefore, it is written in the section of judges (Deuteronomy 16:18), "and they shall judge the people with righteous justice"; and afterwards, "When you go to war against your enemies." What is [the meaning of] "against your enemies?" The Holy One, blessed be He, said, "Go forth against them like enemies: In the way that they do not have mercy upon you, so [too], do not have mercy upon them. See what they say: 'Let us wipe them out as a nation; Israel’s name will be mentioned no more.' [It is] that same name that I say (Psalms 106:48), 'Blessed is the Lord (the Name), the Lord of Israel.' Therefore go forth against them like enemies." Israel said, "Master of the world, until when will they stand against us," as it is stated (Psalms 86:14), "O God, arrogant men have risen against me; a band of ruthless men seek my life." He said [back] to them, "Not only against you have they risen, but also against Me, as it is stated (Psalms 2:2), 'Kings of the earth take their stand, and regents intrigue together against the Lord and against His anointed.' Rather see how they are enemies." Therefore, it is written, "When you go out to war against your enemies."

"I have done justice and righteousness; do not leave me to my oppressors." Isaiah said, "Zion shall be redeemed with justice." The Lord said, "If Israel does justice and righteousness, they shall be redeemed immediately." Furthermore, I will punish their enemies, as it is written, "Zion shall be redeemed with justice." What is written after that? "But transgressors and sinners shall be destroyed." David also said, "They shall be redeemed with justice." And he also said, "Keep justice and do righteousness." Thus, Israel said, "We did not act as our forefather Abraham did with his guarantee, as it is written, 'For I have known him, that he will command his children.'" We made our guarantee, so you should make yours. Guarantee the welfare of your servant. What is the guarantee of your servant? That I will not descend into Gehenna (Hell); if you do not guarantee me, who will guarantee me?" Likewise, Hezekiah said (Isaiah 38:14), "Like a twittering swallow, like a crane, so I chirp; I moan like a dove; my eyes are raised on high." And Job also said (Job 17:3), "Please put up collateral for me with yourself; who is there that will shake hands with me?" Job meant that if it were money, silver, gold, or shoes, he would put them up as collateral, but who can put up their soul as collateral, or who would give their soul for the sake of their friend? Who can put up collateral for me if I have no one to do so? Therefore it is said, "Pledge Yourself on behalf of Your servant for good" (Psalms 119:122), meaning that I will do Your will and You will bring me good and not let the wicked oppress me. "My eyes fail from looking for Your salvation" (Psalms 119:82). To which statement did You say to Israel, "When you walk through fire, you shall not be scorched" (Isaiah 43:2)? Why? "For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior" (Isaiah 43:3). And it is written, "I will save My flock" (Ezekiel 34:22). Save us as You have promised (Psalms 119:82). Perhaps You desire good deeds from us? We have no merit or good deeds of our own. You have done kindness with us, as it is said, "Do with Your servant according to Your kindness" (Psalms 119:124). The first ones whom You redeemed were not redeemed through their own deeds but You did kindness with them and redeemed them. And so it is written, "You have led with Your kindness" (Exodus 15:13). Just as You did with the first ones, do with us. Therefore it is said, "Do with Your servant according to Your kindness."