ישעיהו, פרק מ״ב, פסוק י״א

A worldwide chorus of praise to God resounds from the most remote and desolate corners of the earth. The joy of redemption is so overwhelming that it reaches far beyond bustling cities, sweeping through nomadic campsites, isolated mountain peaks, and the deep desert. As this joy spreads, voices are lifted in song from the isolated desert towns of the Arabian wilderness [רד״ק, שד״ל, מלבי״ם]. The celebration travels to the open villages, scattered tents, and temporary campsites inhabited by the nomadic Kedar tribe [רד״ק, אבן עזרא, צאינה וראינה].

The specific focus on these desert regions carries deep meaning. Some explain that these areas border the Land of Israel, and the singing is sparked by the return of the people from the Babylonian exile [שד״ל]. As the Israelites travel through the wilderness on their journey home, the nomadic tribes will see them passing by and naturally break into song [רד״ק]. Taking a different approach, others view this as a promise for the future, where the temporary, shifting tents of the desert will be transformed into permanent, settled cities [רש״י].

From the flat wilderness, the song ascends to the highest elevations. Those dwelling on the rocks join the chorus. These inhabitants are understood variously as nations living in cliffside fortresses [רד״ק, אבן עזרא], isolated individuals scattered across the mountains [מלבי״ם], or even the wild animals that make their homes in the crags [צאינה וראינה]. A unique Midrashic perspective suggests these rock dwellers symbolize the dead who will eventually be brought back to life [רש״י].

Positioned high above, the mountain dwellers can see the exiles journeying through the desert from afar. Overcome by the miraculous sight, they call out from the peaks, sharing the wonder with everyone in the valleys below [רד״ק, מלבי״ם]. This call from the mountaintops is a loud, ringing shout. While such intense crying out is often associated with pain or disaster, the primary approach among commentators is that here, it is entirely an expression of pure joy, offering praise and glory to God [מצודת דוד, שד״ל, אבן עזרא].