ישעיהו, פרק מ״א, פסוק ג׳

A military campaign usually involves danger, loss, and difficult terrain. Yet, an extraordinary pursuit takes place that defies all normal rules of war. This miraculous victory tour, whether understood as Abraham pursuing the enemy kings or as a prophecy foretelling the conquests of Cyrus, King of Persia [רד״ק, שד״ל], unfolds unlike any standard battle. As the conqueror chases after foreign nations and kings [אבן עזרא, ביאור שטיינזלץ], he moves with complete safety. He suffers no harm, his mission never falters, and not a single one of his men falls in combat [רש״י, רד״ק]. He remains completely intact [רד״ק]. In fact, peace itself seems to travel with him wherever he goes, making his advance look more like a peaceful journey than a violent military campaign [מלבי״ם].

The wonder of this campaign deepens when considering the route he takes. The primary approach among commentators is that the conqueror travels along entirely new and unfamiliar roads. He pushes deep into distant lands, stepping onto paths he has never crossed before. The ability to navigate such deeply foreign territory and emerge completely unharmed is clear proof that his success comes directly from the guiding hand of God [צאינה וראינה].

Other perspectives offer different ways to understand his remarkable journey. Some explain that the campaign is so effortless that the pursuer never even grows tired. It is as though he is not walking on his own feet at all, but is instead being carried over dangerous roads by the wind of justice and God's salvation [אבן עזרא, רד״ק, מלבי״ם]. Another view suggests that the description simply means no harm or obstacle ever crossed his feet along the way [רד״ק]. Finally, others see this as a reflection of the conqueror's absolute self-confidence. Rather than sneaking through hidden side trails to avoid danger, he marches openly and proudly along the main road [ביאור שטיינזלץ].