ישעיהו, פרק ל״ה, פסוק ח׳

The ultimate redemption will bring a dramatic transformation to the barren desert. A grand, raised highway will suddenly appear in desolate areas where no human has ever walked, serving as both a physical route and a secure spiritual journey for the returning exiles [רד״ק, מצודת דוד, אברבנאל]. This route is designed to accommodate everyone, offering a wide road for the masses alongside a comfortable lane for individual pedestrians [מלבי״ם]. On a deeper level, this journey represents an era when the human impulse for evil will vanish. Instead of the constant struggle to choose between right and wrong, only a single, unmistakable path of goodness will remain [חומת אנך].

This journey is defined by its profound holiness. Its sacred nature comes from its final destination, as it leads straight to Jerusalem and the mountain of God [אבן עזרא, ביאור שטיינזלץ], as well as from the holy nation that will travel upon it [רד״ק, אברבנאל]. Because of this strict purity, anything impure will be completely barred from entering. This means that the nations of the world will no longer use the road and will even be afraid to set foot on it [רש״י, אבן עזרא]. It also keeps away the wicked [רד״ק], including those among the Israelites who will not survive the difficult struggles preceding the redemption and will therefore not return to the land [אברבנאל].

Instead, the road is reserved exclusively for the people of Israel [רד״ק, מצודת דוד]. It is specifically designed to ensure the safety of the weak and the injured, such as the blind and the lame, allowing them to walk with complete security [רש״י, מלבי״ם, שד״ל]. God Himself is intimately involved in this journey; He will either act as the path itself or walk ahead to personally guide the nation [אברבנאל, שד״ל]. Because the route is so exceptionally straight, wide, and clear, no one will wander off or get lost. This holds true for both experienced travelers and foolish people who completely lack a sense of direction [מצודת דוד, רד״ק, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Travelers will no longer need to rely on large caravans or expert desert guides [מלבי״ם]. Ultimately, with God leading the camp, even those who fail to understand His ways will never stray, as His Divine providence will constantly keep them on the right track [אברבנאל].