ישעיהו, פרק ל׳, פסוק כ״ט

Following the miraculous defeat of the Assyrian army led by King Sennacherib, an immense wave of joy and songs of thanksgiving will erupt from the people of Judah and Jerusalem. This profound celebration of salvation is likened to the distinct atmosphere of a holy festival night. The primary approach among commentators is that this refers specifically to the night of Passover. According to tradition, the devastating plague that struck the Assyrian camp occurred on this very night. Just as the Israelites sang praises during the Exodus from Egypt while eating the Passover sacrifice, they will experience that same triumphant joy over their current rescue. Adding a spiritual dimension, [חומת אנך] explains that on the night of Passover, God's mercy and great light intensify, and it was these spiritual forces that ultimately brought about the enemy's downfall. Alternatively, [שד״ל] suggests the joy mirrors the onset of any festival, as the Israelites traditionally welcomed all holidays with song and gladness, much like the sanctification over wine.

The celebration will take place on the festival night itself, moving beyond mere outward vocal praise to include a deep, internal gladness of the heart [רד״ק]. This emotional peak is twofold: it includes both the happiness of the holiday's existence and the profound joy of having the privilege to make the pilgrimage [מלבי״ם]. This uplifted spirit is accompanied by the music of instruments, specifically the flute [מצודת ציון]. The primary approach among commentators is that this imagery compares the celebrants to the familiar, joyful procession of those bringing their first fruits to Jerusalem, who would march with a flute playing ahead of them to mark the happy occasion [רש״י, מצודת דוד, שד״ל]. Offering a different picture, [רד״ק] and [ביאור שטיינזלץ] describe a massive, communal dance where people walk hand-in-hand in a circle around a central flute player.

The ultimate destination of this festive procession is the Temple Mount and the Temple itself [מצודת דוד]. There, the people will offer their profound thanks to God, recognized as the Rock of Israel. This title conveys ultimate strength and a secure fortress [מצודת ציון], emphasizing that God served as their firm support and protective shield during their darkest crisis against the Assyrian threat [רד״ק].