Another matter, “a small city” – this is the body, “and few men in it” – these are the limbs, “and a great king came against it” – this is the evil inclination. Why does he call the evil inclination “great”? Because it is thirteen years older than the good inclination.104A person receives an evil inclination upon birth, and a good inclination only upon reaching the age of bar or bat mitzva. “And surrounded it and built a great siege upon it” – this is ambush and subterfuge.
“He found in it a poor, wise man” – this is the good inclination. Why does he call it poor? Because it does not exist in all people, and most people do not heed it. “And he saved the city in his wisdom” – as anyone who heeds it is saved.
David said: 'Good for one who heeds it; that is what is written: “Happy is one who attends to the helpless” (Psalms 41:2). “But no one remembered…” – the Holy One blessed be He said: You did not remember it; I remember it, “I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh…” (Ezekiel 36:26).