A powerful call echoes to the exiled people of Israel, announcing a historic turn from the depths of sadness to the heights of redemption. It highlights a deep connection: those who share in the pain earn the right to experience the comfort. This message speaks directly to those returning from exile [מצודת דוד], the people who remembered Jerusalem, felt the sting of its ruin, and held onto the hope of its rebuilding throughout their long years away [רד״ק, אבן עזרא, ביאור שטיינזלץ].
The experience of redemption unfolds through several distinct layers of happiness [מלבי״ם]. First, there is a deep, stable, and constant internal joy. Then, there is a sudden, overwhelming burst of happiness that floods the heart in response to good news and fresh miracles. Finally, this internal feeling overflows into external, physical actions, such as wearing festive clothing and playing music.
This promise of comfort is directed specifically at those who suffered deep sorrow over the destruction [מצודת ציון], ensuring a reward that perfectly matches their past pain. Just as they once showed their mourning through outward signs like ashes and sackcloth, they will eventually show their happiness through outward celebrations [מלבי״ם]. Furthermore, the level of joy they experience will correspond directly to the intensity of their mourning. While the general public who loved Jerusalem will experience a standard level of happiness, those rare individuals who actively mourned by denying themselves pleasures will be rewarded with a uniquely elevated state of joy [אהבת יהונתן]. Ultimately, whoever takes care to properly mourn the ruin of Jerusalem is the one who will live to see the arrival of the Messiah and celebrate its rebuilding [צאינה וראינה].
The happiness of Jerusalem is marked by a rare and complete harmony. In the normal course of the world, one person's success often comes at the expense of another. However, the blessing of Jerusalem will be entirely whole, surrounding everyone at once so that all people benefit and rejoice together without any accompanying sadness [אדרת אליהו]. This perfect harmony extends even to the relationship between the physical land and the people living there. For instance, God will provide abundant rain to nourish the soil exactly at times that do not inconvenience the people, allowing the earth and the nation to rejoice at the exact same moment [אדרת אליהו]. Alternatively, the call to join in this happiness serves as an invitation to travel to Jerusalem and actively take part in her celebration, much like friends gathering to share in the joy and blessing of a loved one [שד״ל].