יחזקאל, פרק ל״ו, פסוק כ״ג

The divine promise of redemption carries with it a global shift in awareness. After a long period in which the exile of the Israelites was perceived as a sign of weakness, God will reveal His power and kingship specifically through the process of returning the nation to its land. This movement is not intended solely for the benefit of the Israelites, but rather as a public display designed to correct the world's distorted perception of God. A deep disrespect for God's name developed among the nations during the exile, stemming from two main causes. First, the very fact that the Israelites were scattered in exile caused the nations to look down upon God. Second, the bad actions of the Israelites while living among these nations added to this disrespect [מלבי״ם].

To repair this damage, God promises to restore honor to His name. There are different perspectives on how exactly this will unfold. One approach views it as a historical act of salvation, where the very act of taking the Israelites out of exile and gathering them from among the nations serves as the ultimate proof of God's power [רש״י]. Another perspective emphasizes an internal spiritual process, explaining that God will compel the Israelites to repent and will remove the rebels from among them, thereby sanctifying His name through their renewed moral state [מלבי״ם]. In either case, this process is accomplished directly through the actions and experiences of the Israelites [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Importantly, it will occur in full view of the nations, rather than being a private event for the Israelites alone [מנחת שי].

When God's power is revealed through the Israelites in front of the entire world, the ultimate result will be a universal recognition of His authority. The nations will come to know that He is God, acknowledging Him as the exclusive ruler of all creation [מצודת דוד]. This progression highlights a fundamental difference in how God guides the world during exile compared to the future redemption. While miracles during the time of exile are hidden, operating behind the scenes and within the bounds of nature, the future redemption will be characterized by open and famous miracles, similar to the wonders of the Exodus from Egypt. This public revelation, marked by clear divine supervision and a strong display of power, is what will ultimately lead all nations to know God fully and clearly [אהבת יהונתן].