דברי הימים ב, פרק ל׳, פסוק י״א

When messengers traveled through the land calling the people to return to Jerusalem, they were largely met with mockery and scorn. Yet, amid this widespread rejection, a small number of people chose a different path. Rather than a mass awakening where entire tribes repented, the response came only from isolated individuals [מלבי״ם]. These few made the difficult choice to submit and make the journey, standing firm despite the overwhelming ridicule from their neighbors [מצודת דוד].

These individuals hailed specifically from the tribes of Asher, Manasseh, and Zebulun. Their reaction stands in sharp contrast to the tribe of Ephraim, which was characterized by deep pride and a strict refusal to accept the authority of others. Because the people of Asher, Manasseh, and Zebulun lacked this intense pride, they were able to humble themselves and bow their heads [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. However, their decision to travel to Jerusalem was not born of pure spiritual devotion. Their submission was driven primarily by a fear of punishment, rather than a high spiritual level of awe and reverence for God [מלבי״ם].