ישעיהו, פרק כ״ד, פסוק כ״ג

A time will come when God's ultimate kingship is revealed to the world, causing all other sources of power—whether earthly or heavenly—to shrink and fade in comparison. The profound shame experienced during this revelation causes a literal dimming of light, just as embarrassment drains the brightness from a person's face [מצודת ציון]. This shame is so deep that it evokes a desire to dig a hole and hide. Consequently, the lesser light of the moon will be completely concealed, and even the intense, powerful light of the sun will be reduced [מלבי״ם].

The primary approach among commentators explores exactly who or what experiences this shame. One view suggests that the heavenly bodies themselves will diminish as all other forms of rule are nullified before God's presence [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. However, another perspective argues that the shame does not belong to the sun and moon, but rather to those who worship them. On that day, humanity will finally recognize God as the primary creator and overseer of the universe, leaving idolaters deeply embarrassed by their past mistakes [רש״י, מלבי״ם]. [אבן עזרא] notes this explanation but prefers to view the sun and moon as a metaphor for earthly kings and powerful regimes that will be humiliated and stripped of their authority. Building on this metaphorical approach, some view the fading luminaries as a specific symbol for the collapse of the Babylonian empire [שד״ל].

Alternatively, the darkness can be understood as the subjective experience of the surrounding nations. During catastrophic events, such as the war of Gog and Magog or the fall of Babylon, the sheer weight of disaster will make the world feel entirely dark to these nations. In their despair, the light of the sun and moon will appear completely meaningless and empty [רד״ק, מצודת דוד].

In stark contrast to this global darkness, God will establish His reign in Mount Zion and Jerusalem, which will serve as the sole remaining refuge. There, the elders and those who remained devoted to God—having always recognized Him as the true God—will be rewarded with immense honor and glory [מצודת דוד, רד״ק]. This era of honored elders may hint at the beginning of the Second Temple period, a time when the people were guided by the wisdom of the elders and the Torah rather than by a human king [שד״ל]. On a deeper spiritual level, the radiant light of God's kingship will entirely replace the light of the sun. The elders and prophets will absorb this divine light and radiate it outward to the rest of the world, much like the moon receives its light from the sun and reflects it down to the earth [מלבי״ם].