The ultimate future redemption is envisioned as a complete and absolute event, bringing a profound emotional and spiritual transformation to the nation. Unlike earlier periods of salvation that were mixed with hardship, this return is defined by eternal happiness and the final removal of all pain. The people will return to their land redeemed directly by God through His attribute of mercy [חומת אנך]. This mirrors the miraculous Exodus from Egypt, contrasting sharply with the return from Babylon during the Second Temple era, which was facilitated by a human king [אברבנאל].
As they return, they are crowned with a profound happiness. Commentators differ on the exact nature of this joy. Some trace it back to ancient times, viewing it as the same joy that accompanied the nation during the Exodus when God led them [רש״י, מצודת דוד]. However, the primary approach among commentators is that this refers to a permanent, unbroken state of happiness. Unlike the joy of the Second Temple period, this future happiness will never again be interrupted by exile or grief [מלבי״ם, אבן עזרא].
The imagery of this joy resting upon their heads carries multiple layers of meaning. It symbolizes the people walking upright with renewed pride [רד״ק]. It also reflects the idea that the soul's power resides in the mind [אבן עזרא]. On a spiritual level, this joy acts as a protective canopy shielding them from above [אבן עזרא], and even represents the Divine Presence itself resting directly upon the redeemed [חומת אנך].
As the redemption unfolds, gladness and joy are achieved in a powerful way, representing a state of deep connection and closeness [מצודת ציון]. A nuanced distinction is made between these two emotions: gladness refers to outward expressions of celebration, such as music and dancing, while joy represents a profound, internal feeling within the heart [מלבי״ם]. There are differing perspectives on how these emotions are attained. One view suggests that the people actively pursue and achieve this happiness through deliberate intention and preparation [אבן עזרא, מלבי״ם]. Another perspective paints a vivid picture where the emotions themselves are personified, actively chasing after the redeemed until they finally overtake them [מצודת דוד, אבן עזרא, ביאור שטיינזלץ].
The overwhelming arrival of this happiness causes all deep sadness [מצודת ציון] and sighing to flee. During the early days of the Second Temple, grief faded slowly before happiness could take its place. In the ultimate redemption, however, joy will arrive in an instant. These emotional states are described as physical figures locked in combat [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. The outward expressions of gladness will drive away the physical sighs, while the deep internal joy will banish the heavy sorrow from the heart. Ultimately, all pain will be completely forced out, fleeing from the overwhelming happiness that pursues it [מלבי״ם].