This is what the verse said: “He prevents a deceitful person from reigning, from setting hindrances [mokeshei] for the people” (Job 34:30). Rabbi Yoḥanan and Reish Lakish, Rabbi Yoḥanan said: If you see a deceitful and wicked man leading the generation, it would be preferable for the generation to fly in the air rather than make use of him. This expression, from setting hindrances [mokeshei] for the people means nothing other than flying, like the matter that is stated: “Will a bird fall into a trap on the ground, and there is no snare [mokesh] for it?” (Amos 3:5).
“He prevents a deceitful person from reigning…” – the Rabbis said: When kings arose over Israel and began subjugating them, the Holy One blessed be He said to them: ‘Did you not forsake Me and request a king for yourselves?’ That is, “I will install a king over me.” This is what the verse said: “Do not trust in princes…” (Psalms 146:3). Rabbi Simon said in the name of Rabbi Yehoshua ben Levi: Anyone who places his trust in the Holy One blessed be He, merits to be comparable to Him.17People will refer to him as a Godly person.
From where is this derived? It is as it is stated: “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and the Lord is his haven” (Jeremiah 17:7). But one who places his trust in idolatry is condemned to be comparable to it. From where is this derived?
It is as it is stated: “Those who make them will be like them” (Psalms 115:8). The Rabbis say: Anyone who places his trust in a flesh-and-blood human, who passes away, his protection, too, passes away, as it is stated: “In man, in whom there is no salvation” (Psalms 146:3). What is written thereafter? “His spirit departs; he returns to his earth” (Psalms 146:4).
The Holy One blessed be He said: ‘They know that a flesh-and-blood human is nothing, yet they forsake My honor and say: “Install a king for us” (I Samuel 8:5). Why do you seek a king? By your lives, ultimately you will feel what is destined to befall you under your king.’ From where is this derived? It is as it is stated: “All their kings have fallen; no one among them calls to Me” (Hosea 7:7).