"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."