A universal and dramatic announcement echoes across the globe, signaling the arrival of redemption and the immense reward awaiting the people of Israel after long years of exile. God declares that the time of salvation has finally come, and this message is broadcast in every direction. The call reaching the ends of the earth is understood in several ways. It may be directed at distant nations, tasking them with declaring God's salvation to the people of Israel [שד״ל]. Alternatively, it is a message for the scattered exiles themselves, reaching them at the farthest edges of the world [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Another perspective suggests that the returning exiles are the ones who will bring this joyful news to the ruined city of Zion [מלבי״ם]. A unique approach interprets the ends of the earth as the very center and depths of the globe. In this view, the news of redemption, delivered by Elijah the Prophet, will penetrate even the most hidden places, reaching souls waiting for salvation in the deep [אהבת יהונתן].
The core message of salvation is meant directly for the people of Israel [אבן עזרא]. This promised salvation is understood simply as the rescue itself [מצודת דוד], the arrival of the King Messiah [צאינה וראינה], or God coming personally to redeem His people [שד״ל, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. This arrival represents a dual process: it involves both the gathering and rescuing of the exiled people, and the physical rebuilding of Jerusalem [מלבי״ם].
As redemption unfolds, a profound focus is placed on the Divine reward accompanying it. The primary approach among commentators is that this refers to the immense good God has prepared for His people, compensating them for keeping the Torah and Commandments and for enduring the suffering of exile for the sake of His great name [רד״ק, צאינה וראינה]. However, another viewpoint suggests that this reward is actually intended for the nations of the world who honored Israel during their long exile [אבן עזרא].
A careful distinction is made regarding how this compensation is delivered. The general reward is calculated based on overall benefit and profit, and it is kept securely with God [רש״י, מלבי״ם]. In contrast, a more specific payment is given for the exact acts of labor, reflecting the precise quality and quantity of the people's work and suffering; this is laid out openly and clearly before Him [מצודת דוד, מלבי״ם, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Furthermore, God brings about this redemption not only as a reward but for the sake of the action itself, stepping in to fulfill His ancient promise [מלבי״ם].