ירמיהו, פרק ל״א, פסוק ז׳

The transition from the deep pain of exile to the joy of salvation begins with a great, sudden shout. Long-awaited news of freedom finally arrives, marking the start of a profound return home for a scattered people [רד״ק]. As the first whispers of this gathering spread, the immediate response is an outpouring of song and celebration for the good that is about to unfold [רד״ק, מלבי״ם, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

This celebration is not a quiet affair; it demands a loud, joyful noise that reaches everyone. The primary approach among commentators is that this cry must be broadcast from the most prominent places. Some explain this in physical terms, suggesting the news should be shouted from high towers [רש״י] or the tallest peaks in foreign lands so it can be heard from far away [מצודת דוד]. Others view this as a matter of public visibility, meaning the celebration must happen openly for the entire world to witness [רד״ק, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Alternatively, this prominence reflects a fundamental change in the nation's status. After a long history of being despised and pushed down in exile, the Israelites will finally be freed from oppression. They will rise to a position of honor and stand at the forefront of the world's nations [מלבי״ם, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

Upon hearing this incredible news, the people are called to action. They must spread the word, praise God, and offer a specific prayer: just as God has allowed them to hear the promise of freedom, He should now follow through and bring about their actual rescue [רד״ק]. From another perspective, this response is an expression of deep gratitude for a rescue that is already underway, confidently declaring that God has already saved His people [מצודת דוד].

Within this celebration, there is a subtle distinction in how different groups experience the redemption. The general public might be entirely satisfied simply because their oppression has ended and they are finally respected by the surrounding nations. However, the spiritual leaders and the righteous within the community seek something much deeper. They are not content with just political freedom or honor. They demand a complete and true salvation, which includes the gathering of every exile from across the globe and the return of the Divine Presence to Zion. Therefore, the ultimate prayer for rescue focuses specifically on this dedicated remnant, those who yearn for a complete and absolute spiritual redemption [מלבי״ם].

In response to this heartfelt prayer, God promises to gather the Israelites from every land where they were scattered, particularly from the north. Unlike past escapes, this departure will not be rushed or driven by fear of pursuing enemies. Instead, the journey home will be a slow, calm, and deeply pleasant experience. The safety and peace of this return will be so absolute that even the most vulnerable members of society—the blind, the lame, pregnant women, and nursing mothers—will march securely alongside the rest of the nation, entirely free from the fear of being chased [צאינה וראינה].