Question

Hello Rabbi Michi, there are sources in the Talmud indicating that Torah study provides protection and defense from sin, suffering, or existential protection for an individual, the community, or the whole world (“Were it not for Torah, heaven and earth would not endure,” “Torah protects and saves,” “the rabbis do not require guarding”; I haven’t done a comprehensive search).
1. My question is whether, according to your knowledge and understanding, these sources must necessarily be interpreted (based on the plain meaning of the Talmud or if there is some compelling indication from the medieval authorities) as a kind of “automatic mystical” protection. Or could it be that this works through ordinary divine providence: if we do the will of God—and among other things study Torah—then we receive reward, namely protection and continued existence. According to that, the point of these sayings is to underscore the importance of Torah study, not to introduce some mystical mechanism.
2. If the answer is no, do you know of compelling sources for the mystical understanding? As early as possible; the earliest I know is the Chafetz Chaim, actually maybe also the Maharal in Tiferet?
3. Where is it stated explicitly that this works quantitatively—say, a fixed amount of “protection” corresponding to a certain amount of time and quality of study—meaning that there is a kind of “price list” (I hope the question is clear)?
As background to my question, I’ll mention the Haredi claim (one of them) that they do not enlist because Torah study protects no less than IDF soldiers do (a quantitative understanding?). This is clearly a mystical understanding, because if it is a reward for doing the will of God, then the discussion should be different—what is His will? Maybe that we should also make practical effort and enlist?
That’s it. Sorry for the length; maybe this is a topic worthy of an article and a survey of sources (have you written about it?) and not a question here, but this is what I’ve got. I’d be happy if you could enlighten me.
Thank you very much.