יחזקאל, פרק ל״ט, פסוק כ״ח

True recognition of divine providence over human history emerges not merely from experiencing sudden moments of salvation, but from observing the complete cycle of exile and return. When the Israelites reflect on the full scope of their past, they will realize that God has always been their absolute leader and ruler [מצודת דוד]. The primary approach among commentators is that the descent into exile and the subsequent return are never accidental events of history, but rather a deliberate, guided plan orchestrated by God [ביאור שטיינזלץ].

This profound awareness will stem from the understanding that even while scattered among foreign nations, God remained deeply connected to them. The exile was constantly accompanied by His personal providence and was ultimately intended for their benefit rather than their destruction [מלבי״ם]. A sharp historical contrast makes this clear: during their time in exile, the Israelites could not find peace or rest despite their strength. Yet, when the time for redemption arrives, no enemy will possess the power to hold them back or prevent their journey home [מצודת דוד].

The final gathering of the nation will be fundamentally different from earlier events in history. Unlike the return during the Second Temple era, which relied on the permission of a human king such as Cyrus, this future redemption will be carried out directly by God Himself [מלבי״ם]. Furthermore, this ultimate return will be absolutely complete. While only a portion of the nation relocated to the land of Israel during the days of Cyrus [מלבי״ם], the future promise guarantees that not a single individual will be left behind in the lands of exile [רש״י, ביאור שטיינזלץ].