ישעיהו, פרק נ״ט, פסוק כ׳

The promise of future redemption combines national rebuilding with a deep spiritual return. It offers a vision of hope, but one that requires a conscious choice to turn away from wrongdoing.

The primary approach among commentators is that the promised redeemer is the Messianic king [מצודת דוד, אבן עזרא], though another perspective identifies the redeemer as God Himself [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. The ultimate purpose of this arrival in Zion is to restore the nation to its former glory. This includes the physical rebuilding of the Temple and the reestablishment of the Sanhedrin [מלבי״ם]. Conversely, the current physical state of Zion serves as a clear indicator. As long as the city remains in ruins, it is living proof that the redeemer has not yet come [רש״י].

This grand redemption is not guaranteed for everyone. Rather, it is specifically reserved for those who actively repent and turn back from their sins [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. The promise extends even to those who have strayed far from the community and abandoned their faith. If they choose to leave their wrongdoings behind, they too will earn the right to be saved by the Messiah [מצודת דוד].

The journey back to faith for the exiled people will be a challenging one. Their repentance will be largely triggered by the intense pressure and severe hardships imposed upon them by their enemies [מלבי״ם]. Through this difficult process, those who return to God are likened to the righteous individuals described in the Book of Daniel, who are uniquely destined for salvation [אבן עזרא]. To solidify this vision, the promise concludes with a firm declaration, signifying an explicit and unwavering guarantee directly from God [מצודת ציון].