ישעיהו, פרק מ״ט, פסוק כ״ג

A prophecy of comfort completely reverses the reality of the Israelites, transforming them from a humiliated and exiled people into a nation that receives unprecedented global honor and clear divine revelation. The very nations that once ruled over them will become their devoted servants and protectors. Foreign kings will act as dedicated guardians, much like a foster parent raising a child [רד״ק, מצודת ציון, ביאור שטיינזלץ], similar to how Mordecai raised Esther [אבן עזרא]. Alongside them, royal women will act as wet nurses, ensuring that the leaders of the world protect and nurture the people from infancy all the way to adulthood [מלבי״ם]. The primary approach among commentators is that this imagery is not meant to be taken literally. Instead, it serves as a powerful metaphor for the immense respect and love that the nations of the world will ultimately shower upon the Israelites [אבן עזרא, צאינה וראינה, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

This profound shift is further highlighted by an image of extreme submission, where the nations bow to the earth and lick the dust of the Israelites' feet. Rather than an act of forced humiliation, this deep submission will be driven by genuine love [צאינה וראינה]. Alternatively, some explain this imagery through ancient traditions, suggesting that in the future, the people will achieve the spiritual greatness of Abraham. Just as the dust of the earth miraculously transformed into weapons for Abraham to defeat his enemies, similar wonders will occur for his descendants [אהבת יהונתן].

Through this massive political and social upheaval, a clear and undeniable realization will emerge. Everyone will recognize that God alone possesses the absolute power to humble the mighty and elevate the lowly, and that He is the sole author of this miracle [רד״ק, מצודת דוד, מלבי״ם]. Those who maintain their hope in God will be entirely cleared of shame [מצודת ציון, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Naturally, a person feels shame when their deep hopes fail to materialize. Throughout the long years of exile, foreign nations mocked the Israelites, claiming that their faith was pointless and their hope was lost. Yet, when the redemption finally becomes a reality, all that shame will completely disappear [רד״ק, מצודת דוד].

This promise of vindication also sheds light on the very nature of the redemption. One might wonder why there is any need for foreign kings and royal nurses to serve the people in the future, given that the Messianic era will bring supernatural miracles that change nature itself for the better. The answer lies in the spiritual distinction between the perfectly righteous and the rest of the nation. The fully righteous will indeed experience a completely miraculous reality and will not need any help from other nations. However, those who did not reach the level of perfect righteousness, but still held onto complete faith and eagerly awaited the redemption, will receive the specific benefits described in this prophecy. The dedicated service of foreign royalty is the exact reward for the steadfast hope and faith they maintained during the dark years of exile. Through this, the principle that anyone who hopes in God will never be put to shame is fully realized [אהבת יהונתן].