יחזקאל, פרק כ׳, פסוק מ״א

The promise of redemption and the gathering of the exiles marks a major turning point in God's relationship with His people, serving as a public, worldwide testimony to His greatness. The process begins with God warmly accepting the people back. Commentators offer different ways to understand the nature of this divine satisfaction. One view suggests a ritual return, where God is pleased by the people bringing incense offerings that bring Him comfort [מצודת דוד]. Another approach understands this conceptually, suggesting that no physical sacrifices are involved. Instead, the Israelites themselves act as the pleasing offering, bringing joy and satisfaction to God [מלבי״ם].

God promises to gather the people from every place where they were scattered [מצודת ציון]. This gathering leads to a central purpose: the public sanctification of God's name. This sanctification becomes a reality when the nations of the world witness firsthand how God returns the Israelites to their homeland [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Watching this event unfold will cause the nations to recognize God's rule, power, and active guidance over the world [מצודת דוד, מלבי״ם]. It will also reveal the good deeds of the Israelites to the rest of the world [מלבי״ם]. The complete fulfillment of this promise and the public display of God's holiness are destined to take place during the future era of the war of Gog and Magog [רד״ק].