ישעיהו, פרק נ׳, פסוק ד׳

A true prophet possesses a unique harmony between eloquent speech and deep internal listening, relying on divine tools to fulfill his mission. The primary approach among commentators is that the prophet Isaiah is speaking about himself. He explains that God has equipped him with the perfect skills to transmit prophecy, leaving the people with no excuse to ignore his message [מלבי״ם, אברבנאל]. This high and frequent level of prophecy also indicates that the generation is ready and worthy of redemption [אהבת יהונתן]. However, a distinct viewpoint suggests that these words are actually placed in the mouths of the righteous among the people, expressing their trust in the prophets and their willingness to listen [שד״ל].

God has granted the prophet a refined, fluent tongue, perfectly suited to teach and accustomed to speaking of lofty matters [רש״י, רד״ק, מלבי״ם]. This is considered the unique language of prophets [שד״ל], or perhaps a tongue dedicated entirely to the study of Torah [חומת אנך]. The purpose of this gift is to properly deliver God's message, but the prophet must first fully grasp the divine word himself before passing it on to others [אברבנאל].

The prophet uses this fluent speech to support his audience, though commentators differ on exactly how this is achieved. Most explain that it involves the ability to offer the right advice at the perfect time, or to establish set times for the people to study [רש״י, רד״ק, אברבנאל, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Others suggest it refers to effortless, rapid speech [מלבי״ם], or the capacity to assist and encourage the listeners [שד״ל]. The target of this message is generally understood to be those who are exhausted and thirsty for God's word, much like a weary traveler in the desert longs for water [רש״י, מצודת דוד, רד״ק]. Alternatively, it may refer to a student whose mind is tired from struggling with difficult concepts [אבן עזרא], or even to the prophet himself, who remains endlessly thirsty to learn more despite his vast knowledge [חומת אנך]. A completely different approach suggests that the prophet is not addressing weariness at all, but rather demonstrating his ability to effortlessly speak words of great spiritual elevation and height [מלבי״ם].

This divine connection is continuous. Prophecy does not arrive randomly; rather, God grants it day after day without interruption [מצודת דוד, רד״ק]. Receiving this vision in the morning signifies a clear, pure prophecy experienced while fully awake, with a lucid mind and complete control of the senses, rather than through vague night dreams [אברבנאל, אהבת יהונתן]. Ultimately, the prophet is given not only the talent to speak but also the vital skill to listen [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. God awakens his ear with the holy spirit [רש״י], allowing the prophet to absorb the divine message with absolute clarity, free from riddles. He receives this wisdom just as a focused and dedicated student listens intently to his teacher [אבן עזרא, רד״ק, מלבי״ם].