Another matter, “you have circled this mountain enough” – this is what the verse said: “Who will lead me to the fortified city?” (Psalms 60:11) – this is Rome. Why does David call it fortified [matzor]? It is a city that torments [shemetzera] and fortifies [umvatzra] Israel.42By tormenting Israel they cause them to repent, which thereby fortifies them. Another matter “the fortified city” – it is a city that is fortified on all sides, so that no person can conquer it.
Another matter “the fortified city” – it is a city that everyone fortifies.43It is an empire that rules over many nations, all of which contribute to its defense. Rabbi Yoḥanan said: David was yearning and saying: “Who will lead me to the fortified city?” – if only I could exact punishment against it. The Holy One blessed be He said to him: ‘David, can you overcome it?’ He said before Him: ‘Master of the universe: “Who guided me to Edom”’ (Psalms 60:11).
He said before Him: ‘The One who already gave me dominion over Edom, He will give me dominion over this great one.’ From where is it derived that David had dominion over Edom? As it is stated: “David placed netzivim in Edom” (II Samuel 8:14). What are netzivim?
Rabbi Simon said: Officials. The Rabbis said: Statues.44Statues of David. Rabbi Yehuda ben Rabbi Simon said: The Holy One blessed be He said to him: ‘David, I know that your hands are quick and industrious, and I seek to subdue My world with them.’ Another matter, [God said:] ‘David, I need them [Edom] for the generations.
Moses already sought to confront them, but I said to him: “You [have circled this mountain] enough [rav laḥem] – the master will command his disciples:45God told Moses to command the Israelites. ‘Circle this mountain.’