ישעיהו, פרק מ״ט, פסוק י״א

The vision of redemption paints a picture of nature itself transforming to ease the journey of the returning exiles. As the people make their way back to their land, massive topographical obstacles are removed, and ruined paths are completely restored to ensure a safe and comfortable passage.

The primary approach among commentators is that towering mountains will be leveled to create straight, accessible routes [אבן עזרא, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. This transformation is viewed by some as a literal, physical miracle that reshapes the earth's terrain. Alternatively, it serves as a metaphor illustrating that God will grant the returnees supernatural strength, ensuring that steep climbs and sharp descents do not exhaust them [רד״ק]. Another perspective suggests that the mountains themselves will remain unchanged; rather, the sheer volume of returning people will be so massive that the crowds will inevitably spill over, marching even across the highest peaks [אבן עזרא]. By preparing these routes, God personally steps in to forge new paths through uncharted deserts where no human has ever walked [רד״ק].

Beyond the mountains, roads that have sunk into deep valleys or deteriorated from years of neglect will be filled with earth and stone, raised into flat, smooth plains that are easy to navigate [רש״י, מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. This massive restoration directly reverses the tragic reality of the exile. Following the destruction, these pathways lay desolate and abandoned, but soon they will once again overflow with throngs of people [רש״י]. These renewed routes will not be obscure trails but prominent, unmistakable highways, making it clear to all observers that these are special paths prepared specifically by God [מלבי״ם]. In a different light, the idea of elevation might not refer to the physical roads at all. Instead, it is the returning exiles walking upon these paths who will be uplifted and exalted as they journey home [אבן עזרא].