In the End of Days, a profound divide will emerge between those who remained loyal to God and those who rebelled against Him. When universal recognition of His kingship finally arrives, humanity will be forced to acknowledge the true source of all justice and power, bringing intense shame upon those who previously denied Him.
There are several ways to understand how this future recognition will be declared. One perspective views it as the personal testimony of the prophet, who declares that his knowledge of the future does not come from his own wisdom, but rather from God, who revealed these secrets directly to him [אבן עזרא, רד״ק]. Alternatively, it serves as an oath, with the prophet swearing by God, who promised him that justice and ultimate strength will eventually prevail [מצודת דוד, רד ק בשם אביו, אברבנאל]. Another approach broadens the scope, suggesting that this represents the future voice of all humanity. In that time, every person will swear by God, reaching the deep realization that true reality, fair leadership, and ultimate victory flow exclusively from Him [רד״ק, אברבנאל, ביאור שטיינזלץ, שד״ל].
A third perspective highlights a fundamental distinction between the Israelites and the rest of the world. Even though all nations will eventually recognize God, the specific promise of justice and strength is reserved for the Israelites. While the nations of the world will draw near to God solely through His grace, the Israelites will approach Him standing on the merit of their historical devotion and their observance of the Commandments, securing a unique and elevated status among the peoples of the earth [רש״י, מלבי״ם, מצודת דוד].
As the loyal draw near, a starkly different fate awaits those who spent history opposing God. This group includes anyone who provoked anger, fought against divine truth, denied God's existence, or persecuted the Israelites [רש״י, מצודת ציון, רד״ק, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. These rebellious nations and individuals will have no choice but to finally approach God and recognize His absolute rule [מצודת ציון, אבן עזרא, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. However, their arrival will be marked by overwhelming regret and disgrace [רש״י, מלבי״ם, רד״ק, אברבנאל, שד״ל]. Some suggest they will even come in total submission, accepting the authority of the Israelites [מצודת דוד].
A subtle shift in the description of their arrival—moving from an individual action to a collective experience—highlights a profound truth about their downfall. Each person and every nation will be forced to face God alone, individually confronting their own actions, yet together they will all share in the exact same overwhelming sense of public shame [מלבי״ם, רד״ק, מנחת שי, שד״ל].