ישעיהו, פרק כ״ז, פסוק ב׳

In the time of future redemption, songs of praise and joy will echo, drawing upon the familiar image of a flourishing vineyard. After long periods of harsh rebuke, a new reality takes shape in which the nation receives God's blessing and brings forth excellent fruit. The primary approach among commentators is that this scene stands in sharp contrast to the earlier, tragic song of the vineyard. In the past, the Israelites were compared to a disappointing vineyard that produced only sour, ruined grapes. Now, however, they are celebrated as a highly successful vineyard yielding fine and worthy wine.

This future vineyard is defined by its production of truly exceptional wine. Interpretations vary slightly regarding the specific qualities of this vintage. Some explain that the wine is notable for its deep red color, a mark of its high quality and importance [רד״ק]. Others describe it as a strong, fine beverage that bubbles and ferments as it is poured [מלבי״ם], while another perspective views it as fresh wine representing a massive, abundant harvest of fruit [אבן עזרא]. It is even suggested that the prophet's imagery evokes the opening line of a popular folk song about a vineyard from that era, deliberately used to spark the memory and imagination of the people [שד״ל].

A joyful call rings out to raise voices in melody and song [מצודת ציון, מלבי״ם, אבן עזרא], which can also be understood as a direct cue to musicians to begin playing [אבן עזרא]. The exact subject of this musical praise is viewed in a few different ways. The singing is directed either toward the entire congregation of Israel [רש״י, רד״ק] or specifically toward Zion [אבן עזרא]. Furthermore, because the song addresses a feminine subject while a vineyard is traditionally referred to in the masculine, it is explained that the song is not sung to the vineyard itself, but rather to the land of Judah [שד״ל].