Who prevented Abu Jahl from harming the Messenger?

Abu Talib prevented Abu Jahl and other polytheists from harming the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, in Makkah. After Abu Talib's death, Abu Jahl dared and attempted to harm the Messenger, peace and blessings be upon him, but Allah Almighty preserved and protected him. The proof of this is what Muslim narrated from Abu Hurairah, that Abu Jahl threatened to step on the neck of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, while he was praying. But when he approached him, he retreated on his heels and said that between him and the Messenger was a trench of fire, a horror, and wings. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, explained that the angels would have snatched him away if he had come closer. Then the two verses were revealed: "Nay! Verily, man does transgress all bounds, In that he looks upon himself as self-sufficient."