ישעיהו, פרק מ״ה, פסוק כ׳

A dramatic summons is issued to the nations of the world, inviting them to a spiritual debate to uncover the truth. They are commanded to gather and step forward [אבן עזרא], approaching God together to debate Him and investigate the truth [מצודת דוד, מלבי״ם]. This call to draw near [רש״י, מצודת ציון, רד״ק] sets the stage for exposing the tragic irony of human beings seeking salvation from inanimate objects.

There are three primary ways commentators identify the fugitives addressed in this call. The first approach views them literally as survivors of past wars, such as those who escaped the sword of Nebuchadnezzar [רש״י, ביאור שטיינזלץ], or specifically the Babylonians [אבן עזרא]. A closely related perspective identifies them as refugees fleeing in sudden terror from Cyrus, the king of Persia [שד״ל]. The second approach understands this as a prophecy for the future, referring to the remnant of the nations that will survive at the end of days [מלבי״ם]. The third approach interprets the description metaphorically. In this view, it does not refer to physical refugees at all, but rather to the lowest, most despised individuals among the nations—the idolaters themselves [רד״ק, מצודת דוד, מצודת ציון].

In moments of crisis, the foolishness of these idolaters is fully exposed. They lack basic knowledge and understanding [רש״י, ביאור שטיינזלץ], entirely unaware of the meaning behind their actions or the true nature of what they serve. This stands in sharp contrast to the Torah, which infuses its commandments with reason and purpose [מלבי״ם].

The absurdity reaches its peak during their flight. Commentators paint a vivid picture of refugees running for their lives, yet forced to carry their sculpted wooden gods on their backs because the idols are completely incapable of moving on their own [שד״ל, מצודת דוד, רד״ק]. Even if their philosophical intention is merely to channel spiritual influence from the stars through a physical object, the reality remains unchanged: they are desperately praying to a powerless entity that cannot save them from their suffering [מלבי״ם].