A profound gap exists between a harsh present reality and the promise of a bright future. At the time of this prophecy, Jerusalem was a small, poor city, and its few residents lived under constant threat from their enemies. Because of this, the promise of gathering the exiles and achieving great prosperity seemed completely illogical from both a natural and political perspective [אברבנאל, מלבי״ם, שטיינזלץ].
The prophet speaks directly to the surviving remnant of the people, fully acknowledging their doubts. A deep sense of astonishment will eventually grip the nation when they experience the overwhelming goodness and kindness that will be done for them, an event that entirely breaks the boundaries of the natural order [רש״י, מצודת דוד, אברבנאל].
The most surprising element of this vision is the idea that this future event could be considered a wonder even in the eyes of God. How can anything be surprising to the Creator? Commentators offer two main ways to understand this concept. One approach suggests viewing the idea as a rhetorical question. God is essentially asking the people if anything is truly beyond His power, meaning, "Is this too difficult for Me to accomplish?" [רבי יהודה הלוי, רד״ק].
However, the primary approach among commentators rejects reading this as a question and instead understands it as a literal declaration of an unprecedented miracle. God is testifying that the future redemption will be so immense that He Himself will frame it as a wonder. This does not mean the event is impossible or hidden from His knowledge. Rather, it signifies an occurrence so completely outside the natural order that it surpasses all previous miracles, both hidden and revealed, that God has ever performed [אבן עזרא, רד״ק, מצודת דוד, אברבנאל]. This divine amazement also stems from the dramatic shift from His great anger to His boundless kindness [רש״י]. It is an unusually vibrant and joyous prophetic expression, painting a picture where God seemingly joins in the general awe over the transformation of Jerusalem [שטיינזלץ].
On an additional level, the Sages explain that the wonder in God's eyes refers to the spiritual bravery of the righteous. In this view, God marvels at the incredible strength of individuals who successfully stand strong against the evil inclination throughout their lives [רש״י].