A dramatic prophetic call echoes, inviting a public declaration that the era of divine concealment is over and redemption has begun. The central image is of a figure climbing to a great height to broadcast good news across vast distances. Ascending a mountain and calling out with immense strength ensures that the message of salvation travels far and is delivered with absolute confidence [מצודת דוד, רד״ק, אברבנאל]. This elevated place is also understood to be Mount Moriah. Because Israel and this mountain conceptually predate the creation of the world, they are not subject to the ordinary laws of impurity that govern the nations, symbolizing that Israel's repentance is fully accepted [אדרת אליהו].
The identity of the one delivering this message sparks broad discussion. One perspective views Zion and Jerusalem themselves as allegorical figures carrying the news. As the focal points and capitals of the land, it is their duty to pass the joyful tidings to the surrounding cities [רד״ק, צאינה וראינה, שטיינזלץ]. Zion specifically heralds the return of the Divine Presence, the royal dynasty, and the high court, while Jerusalem, historically bustling with the masses, announces the gathering of exiles from all corners of the earth [מלבי״ם]. Alternatively, the herald represents the entire community of prophets who foresee the redemption [מצודת דוד, אבן עזרא], or even the very concept of prophecy itself [אברבנאל].
The messenger is depicted as a female figure, reflecting an ancient custom where women were the ones to bring news of military victories back from the front lines [שד״ל]. On a deeper level, this feminine characterization hints at the nature of the redemption itself. Unlike a swift and sudden salvation—often compared to a forceful masculine figure—this redemption arrives slowly and in a state of weakness, occurring when Israel lacks the merit to speed up the process [רש״י]. Yet, it is precisely this gradual redemption that carries the promise of true, eternal salvation, ensuring it will never again be followed by sin or another exile [אהבת יהונתן].
The herald is urged to cast aside any natural fear and to proclaim the redemption with absolute certainty. This encouragement counters the anxiety that the divine promise might fail, which would leave the messenger looking like a liar [מצודת דוד, אברבנאל, מלבי״ם]. It also silences the claims of foreign nations who argue that Israel's past sins are unforgivable [אדרת אליהו], and calms any lingering dread of a future exile [אהבת יהונתן]. The good news is specifically directed toward the cities of Judah, as the future kingdom belongs to the tribe of Judah and the returning king from the house of David [רד״ק, אברבנאל]. The climax of this grand announcement is the realization that after a long period of hiding His face, God is returning to dwell among His people and save them [אברבנאל, מצודת דוד]. The reality of this salvation is so absolute and certain that the herald can point to it as though it is unfolding right before their very eyes [מלבי״ם].