זכריה, פרק י׳, פסוק י״א

The ultimate redemption is envisioned through massive upheavals in both the natural world and the political landscape. The forces of nature—deep seas and flowing rivers—serve as the stage where God acts to defeat the historical empires that oppressed the Israelites and to bring about their final salvation. This process involves the utter destruction of national arrogance and the dismantling of oppressive rule.

Commentators offer two primary ways to understand the striking of the sea and the resulting distress. The first approach views the events as a physical miracle. Just as He did during the Exodus from Egypt, God will dry up the seas and rivers, using a powerful wind to pave a safe path for the exiles returning to their homeland [אבן עזרא, מלבי״ם, אברבנאל]. Even while navigating a sea of troubles and the difficult transitions of the Messianic era, the Israelites will pass through completely unharmed [מלבי״ם].

Alternatively, the stormy sea serves as a political and historical metaphor. In this view, the vast waters represent the masses of the world's nations, while the crashing waves symbolize their kings, ministers, and governments. God will strike these waves by unleashing severe distress and massive wars that will ultimately bring down these global powers [רד״ק, מצודת דוד, אברבנאל]. The drying of the river specifically points to the destruction of the Egyptian multitudes, whose entire national pride relies on the waters of their great river [מצודת דוד].

A unique perspective suggests that the distress upon the sea is not merely a state of hardship, but a specific reference to the island city of Tyre [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Sitting in the heart of the sea, Tyre represents the head of the kingdom of Edom. God strikes the ocean waves with the direct intention of sinking and destroying this powerful city [רש״י, אברבנאל].

The ultimate downfall of Assyria and Egypt is highlighted because these empires are the defining symbols of the evil and subjugation the Israelites suffered throughout history. Assyria was responsible for exiling the Ten Tribes, while Egypt oppressed Judah [רד״ק, אברבנאל]. Regarding when these dramatic events take place, opinions differ. Some view this as a prophecy about the dread that will grip the surrounding nations during the era of Hasmonean rule [אבן עזרא]. Others understand it as a vision of the end of days, specifically the final war of Gog and Magog, which will bring about the absolute end of these historic empires [מלבי״ם, אברבנאל].