דברים, פרק ל׳, פסוק ח׳

The journey from the darkness of exile to ultimate redemption requires a deep spiritual shift. This moment marks the peak of a nation finding its way back to God and His teachings. Unlike earlier stages where returning to God was presented as a condition for salvation, this phase stands as an absolute divine promise. Israel will never be cast away forever; their return to God is a certainty [ביאור יש״ר]. Even if the end of days approaches and the people have not yet changed their ways, God will set historical events into motion that will compel them to return.

This dynamic differs greatly from the redemption from Egypt. Back then, salvation was given as a free gift, much like a father handing something to a young child. Now, however, the nation is mature and must take active steps to earn its redemption [שפתי כהן]. The true expectation is that people will choose to return willingly and actively, driven by clear awareness rather than waiting for hardship to force their hand [אלשיך].

This return represents an entirely new spiritual height. While earlier efforts to change may have been born out of fear and trouble, this stage describes the highest form of return—one motivated by love and a whole heart. This profound level of devotion has the power to transform past deliberate wrongs into actual merits [צרור המור, הכתב והקבלה, אלשיך]. Furthermore, such a complete and sincere return brings about immediate redemption [קיצור בעל הטורים]. Alternatively, some understand this promise of return not as a spiritual repentance, but as a state of physical rest and calm. According to this approach, the Messianic era will bring the nation absolute peace, ensuring they will never face exile again [ספורנו, הכתב והקבלה].

As the people draw close to God, listening to His voice becomes more than just dry obedience. It involves a deep ability to recognize the inner message within His call and to understand that all of His actions in the world are ultimately for the good [חומש קה״ת].

This spiritual awakening naturally flows into practical action. The commitment to fulfill all of God's commandments signals the end of the exile, a time when observance was inherently limited. By returning to their homeland, the people can finally observe every commandment in its entirety [רש ר הירש]. This includes the rebuilding of the Temple, which will stand firmly in its place following the final conflicts of history [מלבי״ם]. Establishing a complete life within a sovereign state also demands a fresh engagement with Jewish law. Many laws that remained purely theoretical during the long years of exile will require renewed study and careful attention to detail so they can be put into practice [העמק דבר].

Finally, the requirement to keep the commandments exactly as they were given carries a critical principle. The primary approach among commentators is that this completely rejects any notion that a new religion will emerge at the end of days, or that practical commandments will ever be canceled. Even in the era of future redemption, the fundamental rule is to hold fast to the exact same teachings of Moses. The Torah given in the past remains fully binding for all eternity [ספורנו, רבנו בחיי, הכתב והקבלה].