ישעיהו, פרק ד׳, פסוק ג׳

Following a time of global purification where the wicked are removed, a repaired and pure society will take shape. The central city of the kingdom, which may also serve as the focal point of the future battle of Gog and Magog [רד״ק], will become a home for survivors who reach a supreme spiritual level. Mentioning this city represents all the people of Judah, not just its physical residents [שד״ל].

The survivors who remain in Zion and Jerusalem are viewed in different ways. The primary approach among commentators is that the dual mention of these locations simply emphasizes that all surviving Israelites will return to settle in the city [רש״י, מצודת דוד]. However, another perspective suggests a clear social distinction among the survivors. One group consists of those intentionally kept alive by God, specifically royalty and scholars living in Zion, the historic center. The other group is the general public who survived by chance throughout the wider city of Jerusalem [מלבי״ם].

All these survivors will be called holy, meaning they are recognized as completely righteous [רש״י, רד״ק, מצודת דוד]. Once God reveals His miracles, the people who faithfully kept His laws will no longer be viewed as foolish by society. Instead, everyone will clearly see them as God's chosen and holy individuals [שד״ל].

This holy status is not automatically granted to everyone who simply survives the physical destruction. It is strictly limited to those destined to live due to their honesty and good deeds [רד״ק, שד״ל]. The title belongs exclusively to the righteous who are recorded for eternal life, excluding any wicked individuals who may have survived temporarily but will ultimately face disgrace [מלבי״ם]. Furthermore, this promise extends beyond the living. Righteous individuals who died before these events will maintain their honor and eventually experience life in the World to Come within Jerusalem [רש״י].