From the shiurim on Kav Hashgachah Pratis
der: the chayos hakodesh are in charge of the nature of the world, and they are a barrier between the Ofanim, which are the neshamah of the world, and Hashem’s Kisei Hakavod. When Rabi Elazar said he wanted more in the World to Come, Hashem’s answer to him – “Then what will I give your friend?” – Implied that there is a limit to what can be given. Rabi Elazar in turn claimed that he nonetheless wanted more, because Am Yisrael stand above the chayos, closest to the Kisei Hakavod, and they are not limited by nature.... Regarding these words Hashem said, “I shot my arrows at you.” Even though Hashem spoke with joy, He was hinting that He had a complaint against Rabi Elazar. The complaint was not about this statement, but it was like someone who shot an arrow off to the distance, meaning that Hashem complained about his previous statement. Why had he agreed when he was told that his mazal could not be changed? Is this world any different from the World to Come? Just as in the World to Come everything is in Hashem’s Hands and there are no limits, that is the case in this world as well.
(Based on Berei B’cheshbon, by Rav Shimshon Pincus zt”l, p. 81)
