ירמיהו, פרק נ׳, פסוק ח׳

A divine call echoes through the exile, urging the Israelites to escape a doomed empire immediately. It is a moment that demands not just a hasty retreat, but a bold display of courage and determination to return home. God commands His people to pack up and begin moving from place to place [מצודת ציון, מלבי״ם]. This escape must happen in stages: first, they must immediately flee the royal capital of Babylon, which is destined for destruction. Following this, they must complete their exodus by leaving all the surrounding cities in the broader Chaldean empire [מלבי״ם, אברבנאל, שטיינזלץ].

To illustrate how they should depart, the prophet compares the escaping Israelites to male goats [מצודת ציון]. In nature, these animals march at the front of the herd, confidently leading the rest of the flock [רש״י, שטיינזלץ]. Commentators offer two complementary ways to understand this striking image. One approach highlights speed and bravery. The people returning to Jerusalem must act like these strong, swift animals, hurrying out courageously and without fear [רד״ק]. They must boldly lead the way, even if many of their fellow Jews choose to remain behind in exile, acting like the weaker members of the flock [מצודת דוד, אברבנאל].

Another perspective focuses on the theme of leadership. Because the people lack official shepherds to guide them out of exile, individuals must take the initiative to step up and lead the camp. This metaphor ultimately points to the historical figures who led the return to Zion, such as Ezra, Nehemiah, and the heads of the exile. Acting as the strong leaders of the flock, these individuals marched at the forefront of the nation to bring them safely back to their land [מלבי״ם, רד״ק].