ישעיהו, פרק נ״א, פסוק ד׳

A divine call is directed toward the people of Israel, carrying a future vision where God's teaching and justice will break through national borders to bring about a global transformation. God begins by asking His people to pay close attention and listen.

While the expressions used to address the Israelites generally mean the same thing [מצודת ציון], some draw a distinction between them. One aspect of the nation represents their physical gathering around a shared leadership and a system of justice between people. The other aspect reflects their spiritual bond based on divine religion. Because of this dual nature, God asks for two types of listening. The first is a basic, general hearing, while the second requires deep focus and a close ear, which is necessary to truly understand matters of faith [מלבי״ם]. Adding another layer of meaning, one of the expressions used to address the nation reflects God's profound love for the congregation of Israel, affectionately referring to them as a mother [מנחת שי].

The core of the message is that teaching will go out directly from God. This teaching is understood either as prophecy [רש״י, אבן עזרא] or as general instruction [מצודת ציון]. The primary approach among commentators is that this vision belongs to the days of the Messiah. Just as teaching is destined to spread from Zion, the Messianic king will eventually instruct all of humanity in the ways of God. The justice mentioned refers to the judgments the Messiah will make between the nations of the world, correcting them and guiding them toward peace [רד״ק, מצודת דוד]. Conversely, another view places this vision within the historical reality of the Babylonian exile. In this context, the teaching and justice represent God's actions to humble the Babylonians who mocked Israel, ultimately returning the Israelites to their homeland. This act of justice will become widely known, bringing praise from the surrounding nations [שד״ל].

The result of this process is that divine justice will serve as a light for the nations. As for how this light impacts the world, the most widely accepted view is that it brings profound rest, calm, and quiet [רש״י, אבן עזרא, רד״ק, מצודת ציון]. God will establish a deep sense of rest in the world [ביאור שטיינזלץ], ending wars so that nations will no longer raise swords against one another [מצודת דוד]. He will also unify their speech so they can serve Him together in perfect peace [רש״י], creating a deep, inner peace of mind for all [מלבי״ם]. Other commentators offer different perspectives on how this justice arrives. Some explain that God will execute His justice swiftly and without any delay [אבן עזרא]. Another interpretation suggests a sense of breaking through, similar to the morning dawn suddenly breaking forth and shining its light upon the nations [שד״ל].