ישעיהו, פרק י״א, פסוק ט״ו

In preparation for the future ingathering of the exiles, God will orchestrate massive geographic miracles. Every natural obstacle will be removed, allowing the scattered people to return to their homeland swiftly and safely.

The process begins with God eliminating the watery barrier of Egypt. Commentators differ on the exact nature of this miracle; some explain that God will completely dry up the waters [רש״י, מלבי״ם, שד״ל], while others describe it as a forceful cutting or destruction of the sea [רד״ק, מצודת ציון, אבן עזרא]. The specific location is widely identified as the Nile River, whose delta empties into the sea in the shape of a tongue [מצודת ציון, אהבת יהונתן]. However, another view suggests the target is the Red Sea, which itself is a narrow, tongue-like body of water [שד״ל].

Following this, God will direct His power against the great river. The primary approach among commentators is that this refers to the Euphrates River, which must be crossed by the exiles returning from Assyria [רש״י, רד״ק, שד״ל], though a differing opinion maintains that this action is also directed at the Nile [אבן עזרא]. God will strike the waters using the immense strength of His wind [רש״י, אבן עזרא, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Alternatively, this action is understood as God calming the crashing waves [רד״ק], or simply asserting His overwhelming might to subdue the waters [שד״ל].

As a result of this divine strike, the river will split into seven distinct streams, creating dry, walkable paths between them [מצודת דוד, צאינה וראינה]. The division into seven streams is taken literally by some, corresponding to seven distinct exiles or specific regions from which the banished will return [רש״י, מלבי״ם]. Conversely, others view the number seven simply as an expression of abundance, indicating that the river will fracture into many separate pathways [רד״ק, שד״ל].

Ultimately, God will guide the returning exiles across these paths. On a physical level, the rivers will be so thoroughly dried that the people will be able to walk across the riverbeds in their shoes without getting wet at all [רש״י, מצודת דוד, שד״ל]. Another perspective suggests that the waters will be firmly locked and held back, ensuring a completely safe passage [מלבי״ם]. Beyond the physical journey, this crossing holds a profound spiritual dimension. The heel and the shoe represent materialism, physical desires, and the evil inclination, while the Euphrates River symbolizes the rapid multiplication of these worldly lusts. By drying up the river and guiding the people in their shoes, God is signaling that in the future, He will eradicate the evil inclination and diminish human desires. This ensures that the ultimate redemption will be completely pure, both physically and spiritually [אהבת יהונתן].