Why does it say "Mekim me'Afar Dal"?
Aderes Eliyahu: This refers to Shimshon, who saved Yisrael from the lowly Pelishtim. He is called Dal, for he fought alone, without any helpers. "Yehi Dan Nachash" (Bereishis 49:16) applies to him. A snake eats earth (Bereishis 3:14), and he consumed (killed) Pelishtim, who are compared to earth.
Was the Evyon truly in a wasteheap?
Aderes Eliyahu: Yes! One who dwells on the earth, he has nothing. One who dwells in a wasteheap is even lower; he cannot remove himself from there. This alludes to Sha'ul. In his days, the Aron was in put in a wasteheap, i.e. the place of the Pelishti idol. Sha'ul is called Evyon, for he Ta'av (desired) to return the Aron, but could not.
Was the Evyon in more than one wasteheap?
What are "Nedivim"?
Aderes Eliyahu #1: They were David and Shlomo, who were at the highest level, therefore 'we did not accept converts in their days, like in Yemos ha'Mashi'ach (Yevamos 24b). The Aron was returned then.
Aderes Eliyahu #2: They are the Avos. Hashem seated David with them, and made him the fourth leg of the Merkavah.
What is the meaning of "v'Chisei Chavod Yanchilem"?
Aderes Eliyahu: David's throne (kingship) is permanent.
Malbim: It is the throne of kingship, and it will pass to their children.
What are "Metzukei Eretz"?
Radak #1: They are the pillars of the land, the Tzadikim in whose merit the world exists - "v'Tzadik Yesod Olam" (Mishlei 10:25). Yuma 38b - there are few Tzadikim 1 ; Hashem spread them out, and planted some in every generation.
Radak #2: Hashem sustains the world with His strength - "umi'Tachas Zero'os Olam" (Devarim 33:27). He arranged settlement of the world.
Aderes Eliyahu: Eretz refers to Chutz la'Aretz. Even though after David's kingdom fell, authority is still from Yehudah, i.e. the Reish Galusa in Bavel 2 and the Nasi in Eretz Yisrael.
Malbim: [All mentioned here is not a change in Hashem's conduct, for] the foundations of the world [are Hashem's Hashgachah. The changes are not due to Him, rather, to the recipients.]
Tana d'Vei Eliyahu Zuta 5 #1: It is the poor. Hashem did not find a better Midah for Yisrael than poverty. When they do not have food, clothing and oil, they request mercy from the One who makes existence, and they fear Hashem. Tzedakah, Chesed 3 , Yir'as Shamayim and Linud Torah 4 come only through poverty - "Mekim me'Afar Dal", and not Mekim me'Afar Ashir.
Tana d'Vei Eliyahu Zuta 5 #2: It is Chachamim. Our verse teaches that they support the entire world.
Surely this refers to total Tzadikim who support the world. "V'Amech Kulam Tzadikim" (Yeshayah 60:21)!
Aderes Eliyahu: The Reish Galusa upholds Mishpat, which is the pillar of the world of Chutz la'Aretz - "Al Mah Adaneha Hatba'u" (Iyov 38:6)
Sukah 49b says that Chesed is both for the rich and poor! Perhaps the Midrash means that it comes mostly through poverty. It says also that Linud Torah is only amidst poverty, even though several Chachamim were very wealthy! (PF)
Tana d'Vei Eliyahu Rabah (3): it is a good Siman if a Chacham does not gather much produce, for if he waxes rich, he is prone to be Batel from Torah.
What is "Tevel"?