“רצון יראיו יעשה, ואת שועתם ישמע ויושיעם – He will do the will of those that fear Him, and from their cries He will hear and provide salvation.”

The Ibn Ezra remarks that unlike an earthly king that views his role as merely sparing his loyal subjects from harm, G-d, the King of Kings actually fulfills the desires and will of his loyal servants.

The Etz Yosef comments on the verse stating: the fact is that  G-d would fulfill the will of the righteous immediately, but He does not always do so  because He covets the prayers of the righteous. This reflects the Talmudic passage that explains that all of our Matriarchs were barren because Hashem covets the prayers of the righteous.

At first glance this seems astounding! Are we to believe that our holy Matriarchs had to undergo decades of suffering simply because G-d wanted to hear their prayers?! Does this imply that for G-d’s own personal pleasure, He advances suffering on others- G-d Forbid?

It is obvious to all that the loving and benevolent Creator would not inflict harm and suffering on His children because He enjoys listening to their prayers. The Talmudic passage should  be understood as follows: the eternal nation of Israel could have only been born unto the Matriarchs through the medium of great and heartfelt prayers and supplications. The Talmud therefore explains that each of the Matriarchs were granted the challenge of being barren to inspire Kavannah, deep fervor and intent, that would in turn help build the nation of Israel.

Each of us is faced with challenges every day. Let us learn from the example of our Matriarchs and turn to G-d in prayer. We have a Biblical verse to support us “רצון יראיו יעשה, ואת שועתם ישמע ויושיעם – He will do the will of those that fear Him, and from their cries He will provide salvation.”