The era of redemption brings a profound historical role reversal, transforming the very nations that once destroyed and enslaved Israel into active partners in its rebuilding. This sharp transition from the depths of exile to the height of success reveals that history is not random, but guided by precise Divine providence.
There is a deep sense of historical justice in foreigners rebuilding the city walls, as the very nations that once tore them down will be the ones to construct them anew [ביאור שטיינזלץ, אברבנאל]. Unlike the days of the Second Temple, when the Israelites had to build the walls themselves, this future work will be done entirely by others [אבן עזרא]. These nations will not merely send gifts from afar, but will actively work the land and perform the physical labor [רד״ק].
In an era of global peace, physical walls are no longer needed for security. Therefore, the effort to build them serves a different purpose. Foreigners will construct these walls to fulfill a legal requirement, allowing them to gain the status of a resident alien, a standing that can only be granted when the laws of walled cities are active in Israel [אהבת יהונתן]. Along these lines, these builders are identified as individuals coming to attach themselves to the people of Israel [אברבנאל].
Foreign royalty will also participate, serving Israel by supporting the builders with silver and gold [מצודת דוד, מלבי״ם]. This operates on the principle of measure for measure. Just as Israelite royalty were once taken captive to serve in the palace of the Babylonian king, foreign kings will one day serve Israel [אהבת יהונתן].
Both the suffering of the past and the blessings of the future originate from God rather than mere chance [רד״ק, צאינה וראינה]. The periods of destruction were driven by God's anger, while the future restoration represents a time of reconciliation and Divine favor [רש״י, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. There is a fundamental difference between these two expressions of God's will. The punishments of exile stemmed from a limited, external anger rather than a deep, inner disgust, making the eventual reconciliation and mercy much more natural [מלבי״ם]. Furthermore, God's anger is inherently brief and temporary, whereas His favor and kindness are continuous and permanent [שד״ל].
Ultimately, this entire historical sweep reflects a supernatural reality. Just as the degradation experienced during the exile was extreme and unnatural because it was driven by Divine anger, the future authority and success granted to Israel will be equally massive and unprecedented, flowing directly from God's goodwill [מצודת דוד].