The promise of redemption brings a profound, uplifting experience that transforms both the human condition and the fabric of reality itself. This grand vision depends on a return to good deeds and true repentance. Once past wrongs are wiped away, the entire world will welcome the returning exiles warmly [מלבי״ם, צאינה וראינה]. The primary approach among commentators is that this joyous departure represents leaving exile, while some broaden this to mean emerging from any form of distress or hardship [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. The journey back to the Land of Israel involves being accompanied, carried, and guided safely home [מצודת ציון, ביאור שטיינזלץ, רד״ק].
There are different views on how this journey takes place. Some suggest a physical return, with the people being carried on horses and mules, and opinions differ on whether this points to the historical return from the Babylonian exile, the ultimate future redemption, or both [אבן עזרא]. However, a clear distinction is drawn between the historical return from Babylon and the ultimate future redemption. While the departure from Babylon was mixed with tears and faced harsh political opposition, the final redemption will be characterized by absolute peace, completely free of any delay or obstacle [מלבי״ם].
As the exiles return, the natural world itself is depicted as joining the celebration, breaking into loud song and clapping in sheer joy [מצודת ציון, רד״ק, אבן עזרא]. There are several ways to understand nature's dramatic reaction. On a psychological and poetic level, this mirrors the inner state of the returnees. Their journey will be so peaceful and joyous that the entire world will appear to be celebrating right alongside them, with every part of their path reflecting their own happiness [מצודת דוד, שד״ל].
From a practical and agricultural perspective, the singing of the mountains means they will produce an abundance of fruit and vegetation, bringing deep joy to the people living in the land [רש״י]. The world will transform into a repaired, better place where nature and humanity live in perfect harmony [מלבי״ם, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Finally, on an allegorical level, the elements of nature represent human society and global politics. The towering mountains and hills symbolize world leaders and great figures, while the trees of the field represent the various nations of the world, all uniting to rejoice in the redemption of Israel [רד״ק].