איוב, פרק י״א, פסוק י״ז

A powerful promise of a bright, renewed future emerges through the imagery of light breaking through profound darkness. The primary approach among commentators is that this promise relates to a person's lifespan or destiny [רש״י, מצודת ציון, רמב״ן]. According to this view, an individual is assured that a better, brighter time will arrive, outshining even the midday sun [רש״י, מצודת דוד, רמב״ן]. Alternatively, the promise extends beyond a human lifespan to the world itself [מלבי״ם, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. This suggests a glimpse of the World to Come. Unlike the current world, which began in darkness, this future existence will rise and be built entirely from a place of absolute light [מלבי״ם]. A third, unique perspective connects the imagery to the concept of rust. This implies that the dark, "rusty" areas of a person's life, or even the physical body itself, will eventually be purified and shine brighter than the noon sun [רש״י, רמב״ן בשם התרגום].

As the imagery continues, a sharp contrast arises regarding the nature of the transition from night to day. One approach understands the imagery as rooted in darkness and gloom, suggesting that times of trouble and shadow will completely reverse, ultimately shining as brightly as the morning light [רש״י, מצודת דוד, מצודת ציון, רמב״ן]. Conversely, another view interprets the imagery directly as an expression of light, sunrise, and renewal [רש״י, רלב״ג, מלבי״ם, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. This idea is compared to the "eyelids of the dawn," where light pierces through the darkness just as vision breaks through opening eyelids [מלבי״ם]. This interpretation is supported by the specific vowel structure of the text, which is grammatically formatted to point toward light rather than darkness [רש״י]. According to this understanding, even when everything still appears deeply dark, an eternal light will suddenly break forth and shine like a brand-new morning [מלבי״ם].