ישעיהו, פרק ס׳, פסוק ט״ו

Jerusalem is promised a dramatic transformation, moving sharply from a state of bitter isolation and rejection to a destiny of magnificent, eternal joy. In the past, the city suffered complete abandonment during its destruction [אבן עזרא]. Its children left it behind [מלבי״ם], no one sought a connection with it [מצודת דוד], and God's glory departed from it [רד״ק]. Beyond being deserted, the city was actively hated by all other nations [מלבי״ם, מצודת דוד]. This deep desolation turned Jerusalem into a small, remote, and forgotten province [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. It was so thoroughly ignored that not even a passing traveler would stop to ask about its welfare [מצודת דוד]. Some commentators view these painful eras as reflections of specific historical periods: the initial abandonment points to the Babylonian exile, while the widespread hatred reflects the exile of Edom, a time defined by global animosity toward Israel [אהבת יהונתן].

In direct contrast to these past struggles, the city is promised a future of extraordinary virtues [מלבי״ם]. Instead of remaining empty and ignored, Jerusalem will see kings and leaders arrive to pay homage [צאינה וראינה]. God guarantees that the city will become a place of endless splendor, great authority, and permanent rule [מצודת ציון, שד״ל, מצודת דוד]. This profound glory is tied to the essential nature of the city itself, existing in a state of infinite, undivided time [מלבי״ם].

Alongside this enduring glory, Jerusalem will become a source of constant, never-ending happiness [אבן עזרא, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. While the glory relates directly to the city, the promised joy belongs to the people of all eras. Future generations will celebrate the city's success and love it, completely replacing the hatred it once endured [מלבי״ם]. It will stand as a delight for the entire world [רד״ק]. Another perspective views this ongoing joy as a historical correction. It points to two specific eras—the generation of King Hezekiah and the generation of Rabbi Judah the Prince—both of which were nearly worthy of the Messiah but ultimately fell short. In the future, the redemption will be entirely complete and flawless, finally bringing the perfect joy that those past generations narrowly missed [אהבת יהונתן].