ישעיהו, פרק ל״ג, פסוק ז׳

In moments of absolute terror and crisis, as the threat of an Assyrian siege looms, a devastating picture of deep despair unfolds. All hope for peace has vanished, and the very figures who usually represent strength or good news are now broken, weeping publicly. This profound display of fear and lowliness serves a dual purpose: it shows that the people have reached the absolute limit of their suffering, making them worthy of God's mercy [מצודת דוד], while also setting the stage to amplify the great salvation and comfort that will soon follow [רש״י, שד״ל].

A central question arises regarding the identity of these loud, weeping figures in the streets. The primary approach among commentators is that they are messengers, acting in a role similar to those described alongside them [אבן עזרא, רד״ק, מצודת ציון]. However, another perspective identifies them as mighty, lion-like heroes. The terror is so overwhelming that even the strongest warriors of Judah cry out in the streets out of fear of the approaching enemy [שד״ל]. Taking a different angle, some identify these loud figures not as victims, but as the mighty men of the Assyrian camp standing outside Jerusalem and shouting threats [מלבי״ם]. Others suggest a focus on the religious destruction, explaining that the people are mourning in the streets over their ruined altars [רש״י]. There is also a spiritual dimension to this tragedy, where the weeping figures are understood to be the ministering angels of Israel, crying from their heavenly realms over the nation's severe troubles [ביאור שטיינזלץ, רד״ק].

Alongside these figures are the messengers of peace, individuals who once traveled from city to city bringing good tidings. Now, they weep bitterly, their souls pained over the ruined cities and the desolate roads [רש״י, רד״ק, מצודת דוד, שד״ל]. Historically, these individuals are seen as the diplomatic mission sent by King Hezekiah of Judah to the Assyrian king, Sennacherib. They had hoped to secure a peace treaty but return to Jerusalem in tears, having been turned away empty-handed with terrible news [מלבי״ם]. Looking at this from a broader, universal perspective, the sorrow extends beyond Judah. Any messenger from any nation in the world who seeks peace will weep bitterly when faced with the crushing and ruthless dominance of the Assyrian empire [אבן עזרא].