ישעיהו, פרק י״ט, פסוק כ״ב

The relationship between God and Egypt undergoes a profound transformation, shifting from a process of punishment and destruction to one of education and repair. Although God strikes the nation [רש״י, מצודת ציון], the primary approach among commentators is that this is not a vengeful punishment meant to wipe them out, as God sometimes acts with other nations. Instead, the strikes are delivered for the benefit of the Egyptians. They are administered gradually so that their sins do not overflow and reach a point of absolute ruin from which they cannot recover [מלבי״ם, מצודת דוד].

The pairing of striking and healing presents a rare combination. Usually, a plague leads to certain death and is not followed by a cure [מלבי״ם]. In this case, however, the strikes are repeated over time for the sake of correction rather than serving as a final, crushing blow [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. They occur in a continuous cycle of striking and healing [שד״ל, אבן עזרא]. The ultimate goal of this pain is to awaken the Egyptians to deep self-reflection, leading them to recognize that God is both the one who strikes and the one who heals [רד״ק].

As a result of this process, the Egyptians return to God and cry out to Him. God responds with reconciliation and appeasement [רש״י, אבן עזרא]. Recognizing the sheer abundance of their heartfelt pleas and continuous requests, God accepts their prayers, is appeased, and grants them immediate healing [מצודת ציון, מלבי״ם].