The end of a long, painful exile brings about a profound process of repentance, national unity, and historical repair. Following an extended period of separation, the people will deeply regret their past divisions and seek to return to their original destiny, offering great comfort to the nation [אברבנאל]. This era marks the time following the many days of exile [רש״י, מצודת דוד]. The Israelites, previously fractured into the separate kingdoms of Judah and Israel, will finally reunite and return to their homeland as a single, cohesive body [אבן עזרא]. This vision is set to materialize in the end of days, during the future redemption and the messianic era, which serves as the ultimate culmination of the prophets' visions [אבן עזרא, מצודת דוד].
The primary approach among commentators is based on the tradition of the early sages, which traces the root of the exile to the historical division under King Rehoboam. At that time, the nation rejected three fundamental pillars: the Kingdom of Heaven, the royal dynasty of the House of David, and the Temple. A clear sign of true redemption will only appear when the people actively seek to repair and reclaim all three of these core values together.
The first step in this repair is seeking God, which symbolizes a renewed acceptance of His absolute rule [רש״י, מלבי״ם, רד״ק]. This reflects an intense desire to bring back the Divine Presence from its own exile [חומת אנך]. This pursuit also involves turning to Torah scholars, as God's representatives, to guide the nation in the proper paths of repentance [חומת אנך]. The second step is the demand for the return of the Davidic dynasty and the anticipation of the Messiah from his lineage [רש״י, מצודת דוד, אבן עזרא, חומת אנך]. The people will insist on the exclusive leadership of the tribe of Judah, refusing to accept rulers from any other tribe [מצודת דוד]. This desire will be especially strong following the death of the initial messianic figure from the tribe of Ephraim, who will lead the early battles [אברבנאל]. The commentators emphasize that God's kingdom and David's kingdom are entirely inseparable, much like the Temple and the royal palace, which were built and destroyed together [אברבנאל].
The third and final stage involves a profound awe toward God and His goodness, which points to the rebuilding of the Temple where divine goodness and glory reside [רש״י, מלבי״ם, רד״ק, אברבנאל, חומת אנך]. The emotional state of the returning nation is complex. Some describe it as a sudden, trembling rush back to their homeland, much like the frantic flight of a startled bird [אבן עזרא]. Others view it as a state of overwhelming excitement and an intense longing to reach God [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. On a deeper psychological level, this is a fear mixed with hope. The people will experience anxiety over whether they are truly worthy of the return of the Divine Presence [מלבי״ם]. Furthermore, they will hold a deep, reverent fear of sin, terrified of once again losing God's abundant goodness and causing His presence to depart from them, just as it did in the past [מצודת דוד, אברבנאל].