What is the significance of being Mekadesh her?
Radak: Eirusin is in place of Eshes Zenunim.
Malbim: It will be a new Eirusin ? "u'Mesos Chasan Al Kalah Yasis Alayich Elokayich" (Yeshayah 62:5).
Why does it mention Eirusin three times (including the coming verse)?
Radak: They correspond to three exiles ? Egypt, Bavel and our current exile 1 . Each time they leave Galus, it is as if Hashem is Mekadesh them for the first time.
Normally, we count exiles under four kingdoms (Bavel, Paras and Madai, Yavan and Edom, e.g. Bereishis Rabah 42:2. Here, Radak counts returning from Galus. This will happen three times. He calls the return from Paras and Madai 'Bavel', for it began in Bavel. (PF)
Why does it say "l'Olam"?
Radak: The first Eirusin after returning from Egypt was not forever, for they were exiled afterwards. Therefore, it says l'Olam (for the future Eirusin).
Malbim: It will be unlike the previous one ? "v'Charati Es Beis Yisrael? Bris Chadashah" (Yirmeyah 31:30). The first Eirusin was temporary, for afterwards they would sin and nullify the bond ? "Ki Solid Banim u'Vnei Vanim; ? Ki Avod Tovedun Maher", "v'Kam ha'Am ha'Zeh v'Zanah Acharei Elokei Nechar ha'Aretz; v'Charah Api Vo" (Devarim 4:25-26, 31:16-17). In the future, they will not sin, and the bond will not be broken.
What Tzedek and Mishpat will be used to be Mekadesh her?
Rashi: Tzedek and Mishpat that she will conduct with.
Radak: The second Eirusin, after returning from Bavel, was not with Tzedek and Mishpat. They did evil ? they desecrated Shabbos and married Nochriyos, and made their brothers slaves to work their fields. It says that the future Eirusin will be with Tzedek and Mishpat for they will repent ? "v'Shavta Ad Hashem Elokecha" (Devarim 4:30).
Malbim: Man's perfection depends on matters Bein Adam l'Chavero, and matters Bein Adam la'Makom. Tzedek and Mishpat apply to the former. Mishpat is according to letter of the law; Tzedek is going beyond the letter of the law.
Why does it add Chesed and mercy?
Rashi based on Devarim Rabah 3:7: They will come to you from me via them (Tzedek and Mishpat). It says about Avraham "Ki Yedativ Lema'an Asher Yetzaveh? La'asos Tzedakah u'Mishpat" (Bereishis 18:19); corresponding to this, He gave to his sons Chesed and mercy ? "v'Nasan Lecha Rachamim", "v'Shamar Hashem Elokecha Lechem Es ha'Bris v'Es ha'Chesed" (Devarim 13:18, 7:12). When they ceased from Tzedakah and Mishpat ? "ha'Hofechim l'La'anah Mishpat u'Tzedakah la'Aretz Hinichu" (Amos 5:7), Hashem gathered (took back) from them Chesed and mercy ? "Ki Asafti Es Shelomi me'Es ha'Am ha'Zeh? Es ha'Chesed v'Es ha'Rachamim" (Yirmeyah 16:5). When they will resume to do Tzedakah and Mishpat ? "Tziyon b'Mishpat Tipadeh [v'Shaveha bi'Tzdakah]" (Yeshayah 1:27), Hashem will increase mercy and Chesed in them, and make all four 1 a crown and put it on their heads.
Malbim: You will bring these two dear matters (Tzedek and Mishpat) for a dowry ? the Mekadesh will bring corresponding to them Chesed and mercy. One who has mercy will look at the downtrodden and impoverished who needs mercy, and do with him as if proper. This corresponds to Mishpat. A Ba'al Chesed does not look at whether or not the recipient is worthy; he acts only due to his Midah of Chesed. This corresponds to Tzedek that they will do.
Tzedakah, Mishpat Chesed and Rachamim. (PF)
