A dramatic peak in prophetic vision unfolds, revealing a future where absolute divine sovereignty is established and justice is finally served. Those who were once oppressed rise to hold their tormentors accountable, setting in motion a series of events that culminates in the global recognition of God.
A central question surrounds the identity of the deliverers who ascend to bring about this salvation. The primary approach among commentators is that they are the future leaders and judges of the Israelite nation. This group may also include the Messianic king accompanied by his royal entourage, which features the Messiah descended from Joseph, the Messiah descended from David, and seven shepherds [רד״ק, מצודת דוד, מלבי״ם]. Taking a vastly different view, [אברבנאל] suggests that these deliverers are not Jewish at all. Instead, they are foreign nations converging to wage war against Edom within the land of Israel. They earn the title of deliverers simply because their military campaigns indirectly result in the rescue of Israel and the downfall of the enemy. This mirrors how God historically used foreign rulers, such as Cyrus and Nebuchadnezzar, as instruments to execute His plans.
The purpose of this ascent is to pass judgment on the mountain of Esau. However, this is not a standard legal trial. Rather, it is the execution of strict justice, exacting a final reckoning upon Edom for the generations of suffering inflicted upon Israel [רש״י, רד״ק, מצודת דוד]. This mountain is identified as the great metropolis of Esau, specifically the city of Rome, which stands as the ultimate symbol of the Edomite empire [רש״י, אברבנאל]. Opinions differ on the exact nature of this reckoning. Some maintain that justice will be meted out upon the survivors who remain in the territory of Esau [אבן עזרא, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Conversely, [אברבנאל] argues that no survivors will be left at all, as this judgment signifies total and absolute destruction. Furthermore, unlike previous historical rescues—such as the Exodus from Egypt or the events of Chanukah and Purim—which were carried out through angels or human messengers, this ultimate retribution against the kingdom of Edom will be enacted by God Himself [צאינה וראינה].
The direct consequence of this justice is the full realization of God's kingship. God's throne and His kingdom are considered incomplete as long as the descendants of Esau and Amalek remain in the world [רש״י, אברבנאל]. Only when their punishment is complete and wickedness is entirely eradicated from the earth will the veil that hides the truth be lifted. At that moment, all the nations of the world will recognize God's sovereignty and accept the yoke of His kingdom. No person will ever again deny Him or claim the existence of another deity, ensuring that the kingdom belongs to God alone in an open and absolute manner [רד״ק, מלבי״ם, ביאור שטיינזלץ].