The prophecy of comfort delivers the news of redemption as living proof of God's absolute control over history. Unlike idols, which are entirely unable to predict the future, God foretells the return of the exiles. This message is directed straight to the heart of the nation, distinguishing carefully between its core centers. Zion symbolizes the spiritual and governmental hub, encompassing the Temple, the monarchy, and the high court. Jerusalem, on the other hand, represents the broader population and the physical ingathering of the exiles [מלבי״ם].
The identity of the one who first brings this joyful news is understood in several ways. The primary approach among commentators is that this refers to the very first individual to arrive from the exile, stepping forward ahead of the rest. This person acts as a herald, declaring the imminent return of the nation's children to their borders [רד״ק, מצודת דוד, שד״ל], with a continuous stream of messengers arriving one after another [אבן עזרא]. Conversely, some identify these messengers as specific historical figures. In this view, the first one to focus on the return to Zion and initiate the redemption is Cyrus, the King of Persia. Following him, the heralds given to Jerusalem are the prophets Haggai and Zechariah, who will urge the people to rebuild the Temple [רש״י, מלבי״ם].
Other interpretations suggest that the news itself simply reaches Zion first, as its inhabitants are the only ones who maintain reliable prophetic communication with God [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Alternatively, the concept of being first refers to God Himself, who testifies that He is the one providing Zion with a messenger [שד״ל].
When the messenger finally arrives, he calls out that the returning children are already here [מצודת ציון, רד״ק, שד״ל]. The repetitive nature of this announcement emphasizes the incredible speed at which these events will unfold [רד״ק, אבן עזרא]. It teaches that the moment the news is heard, the exiles will arrive without any delay [מצודת דוד]. Another perspective views this immediate readiness as a description of the elders of Israel, who will stand fully prepared to leave the exile at a moment's notice [רש״י].