ישעיהו, פרק כ״ו, פסוק ב׳

The return of the exiled Israelites to their homeland is marked by a powerful call to open the gates. On a practical level, this is an invitation to swing open the doors of Jerusalem without any fear of enemy attacks [מצודת דוד]. It is fitting that only righteous individuals, such as the Israelites, should enter and live within the city [אבן עזרא]. On a broader, metaphorical level, these gates represent the entire Land of Israel. Throughout the long years of exile, the land was firmly closed off to the people, but now it finally opens to welcome them back [רד"ק, שד"ל]. In the past, these doors were shut because the ten tribes had turned to idol worship and rebelled against the royal house of David during the division of the kingdom [מלבי"ם].

Those who walk through these newly opened gates are recognized as a righteous nation. This title reflects a people who have completely cleansed themselves of past wrongs, emerging pure in both their actions and their beliefs [אברבנאל, מלבי"ם]. Alternatively, this description points to a selective process during the final redemption. As the exiles are gathered amidst great hardship, the wicked and rebellious will perish. Only those who remain pure will form the righteous nation privileged to ascend the mountain of God [אברבנאל].

The returning people are also defined by their enduring faith, a quality understood in several distinct ways. The primary approach among commentators is that this refers to a state of hopeful waiting. The Israelites maintained their hope throughout the centuries of exile, waiting with complete trust that God would fulfill the promises of redemption spoken by His prophets [רש"י, מצודת דוד, מצודת ציון, אברבנאל]. Alongside this hopeful anticipation, they maintained deep religious loyalty by remaining devoted to God and refusing to adopt the idol worship of their host nations [רד"ק, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

This steadfast loyalty extends into the political realm as well, with the people returning to their allegiance to the house of David, ensuring the nation will never again split into rival kingdoms [מלבי"ם]. From a moral perspective, keeping faith describes a society built on honesty and integrity. It speaks of individuals who uphold the laws of truth and justice, conducting their daily business with fairness toward all people [שד"ל]. Finally, an ancient tradition notes a subtle detail in the written text regarding this faithfulness, suggesting it specifically honors those who affirm their belief by simply and faithfully answering Amen [מנחת שי].