The future redemption will be a measured, secure, and highly public event, entirely unlike a panicked escape. Those returning from exile will be enveloped in absolute divine protection, guided safely from the front and guarded securely from the rear. The primary approach among commentators is that this future event stands in stark contrast to the Exodus from Egypt. When the Israelites left Egypt, they did so in panic, fleeing from oppressors who pressured them to leave and chased after them. In contrast, the ultimate redemption will be defined by calm, order, and an open march, completely free from the fear of man or the need for weapons [רד״ק, אבן עזרא, ביאור שטיינזלץ, צאינה וראינה].
Commentators offer different perspectives on why this contrast exists. One approach suggests that temporary events naturally occur quickly. Because the redemption from Egypt was not eternal, it had to happen in haste. The future redemption, however, is permanent and enduring, allowing it to unfold with profound calmness [נחל שורק]. Another perspective explains that the rush out of Egypt was driven by an urgent need to distance the Israelites from a mixed multitude of people who had joined them and posed a spiritual danger. In the future, this threat will no longer exist, removing any need to rush [אהבת יהונתן].
The promise of a calm departure, free from fear, chaos, and panic [מצודת דוד, מצודת ציון], is rooted in the assurance that God will walk directly ahead of the people. When the divine presence leads the way to illuminate the path, the journey becomes perfectly ordered and secure, leaving no reason to hurry [רש״י, שד״ל, מלבי״ם]. At the same time, the assurance that the people will not walk as fugitives hunted by an enemy [מצודת ציון] is fulfilled by God acting as a gathering force at their rear. This rear guard serves a dual purpose. It protects the camp from any pursuers and gently collects the stragglers, the weak, and those struggling with the journey [רש״י, מצודת ציון, שד״ל, צאינה וראינה]. Additionally, this gathering force actively collects those who were scattered throughout the exile, bringing them safely into the protected camp [אבן עזרא].
This division of protection is reflected in the distinct ways God is described during the journey. The presence of God leading at the front represents His universal leadership as the Creator of the world, illuminating the path for all of humanity. Meanwhile, the title "God of Israel" used for the rear guard highlights His specific, individual providence, actively protecting the Israelites from any potential enemy [מלבי״ם]. Surrounded by divine glory from both the front and the back, those returning are guaranteed complete and total security.