ישעיהו, פרק ל״ה, פסוק ד׳

During the darkness of exile, a powerful message of encouragement is directed toward a broken people, aiming to fortify their spirits against the harsh realities and the painful delay of their redemption. The prophet urges them to find inner strength and cast away their fears, assuring them that salvation is certain and will bring historical justice. Commentators explore the specific emotional state of the people being addressed. One approach suggests these are individuals who desperately long for a rapid end to their exile. Pained by the long wait, they become hasty, rushing to despair or attempting to force the end of their suffering prematurely [רש״י, מצודת דוד, מצודת ציון, מלבי״ם, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Alternatively, others explain that their condition is not about impatience, but rather a deep panic and emotional numbness brought on by the crushing weight of their oppression [רד״ק, שד״ל]. Battered by their troubles, these people have completely lost hope, finding it nearly impossible to believe that a miraculous rescue or any justice against their enemies will ever occur [אבן עזרא].

To counter this despair, a promise of divine retribution is given, representing a dual action by God. He will execute strict justice and vengeance upon the wicked nations that oppressed Israel, such as Edom and Assyria, while simultaneously delivering salvation to His people [רש״י, רד״ק, אבן עזרא, מצודת דוד]. This vengeance and retribution are described almost as abstract forces accompanying God's arrival, revealing Him as the ultimate judge who repays all deeds [שד״ל, מלבי״ם]. The agonizing delay in this redemption, which causes so much despair, is actually a calculated pause. God is waiting for two parallel conditions to ripen. On one hand, the wicked nations must completely fill their measure of sin before they can be justly punished. On the other hand, the people of Israel must become truly worthy of salvation, which depends on the reward they will earn for their good deeds [מלבי״ם]. Ultimately, the message is a call to look past the visible destruction and trust that God's perfect justice will inevitably bring the long-awaited salvation [ביאור שטיינזלץ].