ישעיהו, פרק מ״א, פסוק י״ז

The experience of exile brings the Israelites to a state of profound despair. Surrounded by powerful enemies, they are left entirely weakened and stripped of their resources. They reach a severe level of poverty where they lack even the most basic and inexpensive necessities, such as water [מלבי״ם].

The desperate search for water takes on several meanings among the commentators. Some view this as a literal, physical thirst. As the exiles eventually make their journey back to the Land of Israel through a barren desert, they will face a harsh lack of water [רד״ק, אבן עזרא, מצודת דוד]. Others understand this search metaphorically, seeing the thirst as a symbol of their intense, burning desire for redemption [שד״ל]. A third perspective places this struggle at the end of days, interpreting the water as the word of God. In this view, the people suffer from a deep spiritual thirst and a hunger for prophecy and divine closeness. Though God's word may be absent at first, this spiritual drought will end when He restores His presence to His people [רש״י].

The severity of this thirst leaves them completely parched. This dryness represents a state of total ruin and physical exhaustion [רש״י, אבן עזרא, שד״ל]. Alternatively, the effect on their tongues is understood as a form of displacement. It is as if their tongues have been uprooted and forgotten, rendered useless by their inability to drink or speak [מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

In the face of such overwhelming hardship, a double divine promise is given. God assures the people that He Himself will respond, ensuring they will not be left to die in the wilderness [רד״ק, מצודת דוד]. This guarantee is rooted in two distinct aspects of His relationship with the world. First, He answers them through His power as the Almighty Creator of all things. Second, He promises never to abandon them because of His unique and enduring bond with Israel, a connection that draws Him to constantly care for His people [אבן עזרא]. Built upon the foundation of their good deeds, this close relationship guarantees that God will never leave them. In fact, He will anticipate their needs, providing for them even before they have the chance to cry out in prayer [מלבי״ם].