ישעיהו, פרק ס׳, פסוק א׳

A powerful call rings out to announce the end of suffering and exile, marking a sharp transition from darkness to radiant spiritual and physical light. The prophet speaks directly to Jerusalem, or the entire congregation of Israel [מצודת דוד, רד״ק, שד״ל, ביאור שטיינזלץ, צאינה וראינה, אברבנאל], urging the nation to stand up from its lowly state of mourning and degradation [אברבנאל, אבן עזרא]. In this message, light serves as a metaphor for joy, goodness, success, and complete physical and mental salvation, while darkness represents the troubles and suffering of exile [מלבי״ם, רד״ק, שד״ל, מצודת דוד, צאינה וראינה].

Unlike previous exiles where the nation had to find the strength to rise on its own, in this future redemption, God Himself will lift the people up. A profound shift in global dynamics will also take place. During the long years of exile, the world's abundance flowed primarily to other nations, leaving Israel to survive on the remnants. Now, Israel will become the central source of blessing, and the nations of the world will benefit from the light radiating from her [צוארי שלל].

The declaration that this light has arrived sparks an interesting discussion among commentators. The primary approach is that the time of salvation has simply reached its destination [רד״ק, שד״ל, ביאור שטיינזלץ, צאינה וראינה, אברבנאל]. Although the term used for arrival is often associated with the setting of the sun, here it implies that the light has successfully struck its intended target [מלבי״ם]. This is not a natural, human light, but a special gift God grants His people [שד״ל]. On the other hand, a different perspective suggests that the term actually does mean setting. According to this view, the natural light of the physical world, or the unique light Israel generated through steadfast faith during the painful exile, has finally set and come to an end. In its place, the nation will receive a vast, divine light that directly illuminates the soul [אבן עזרא, רד״ק, אהבת יהונתן].

The ultimate promise is the shining of God's glory, representing the absolute peak of spiritual elevation. This signifies the return of the Divine Presence to dwell intimately among the people [מצודת דוד, אברבנאל], as well as the restoration of kingship and prophecy to Israel [מלבי״ם, אבן עזרא]. Ultimately, this divine radiance will extend far beyond the borders of Israel. It will illuminate the entire world, inspiring other nations to abandon their false beliefs and follow the guiding light of the Torah [אברבנאל].