A profound historical and spiritual reversal awaits Jerusalem and the people of Israel. After enduring eras of persecution and humiliation, the nation will witness a time when their former enemies approach them in complete submission, finally recognizing their deep, enduring bond with God. The descendants of those who physically tormented Israel will arrive bent over in deep humility [מצודת דוד, שטיינזלץ]. The focus is specifically on the children of the oppressors, as the original perpetrators from the exile will have already faced their punishment or passed away. It is their surviving children who will come forward, humbled, to seek forgiveness [רד״ק, מלבי״ם, צאינה וראינה]. Alongside them will be those who did not inflict physical pain but merely mocked, cursed, and despised the nation [מלבי״ם, שטיינזלץ, מצודת ציון]. These individuals will humble themselves completely, bowing down to the very dust at the feet of the Israelites [רד״ק, מצודות].
A deeply spiritual reason is offered for this physical posture of submission. In the future, the people of Israel will achieve such a state of purity that they will radiate an overwhelming spiritual light, much like the brilliance of the sky. The sheer intensity of this holiness will be so powerful that the nations of the world will be unable to endure the sight. They will not dare to look directly at the faces or even the feet of the Israelites. Overcome by awe, they will be forced to walk bent over and bow down before this radiating holiness [אהבת יהונתן].
Driven by this profound reverence, the nations of the world will bestow new titles upon Jerusalem that reflect its true nature, calling it the city of God. This declaration is a public recognition that God’s glory and spirit dwell powerfully within its walls [רד״ק, מלבי״ם]. This public acknowledgment also serves as a beautiful metaphor for a renewed marriage covenant. Throughout the long exile, Jerusalem appeared to the world as an abandoned and despised woman, seemingly cut off from her husband. In the future, however, the nations will recognize that she is deeply beloved, faithfully married, and bound to God by an unbreakable connection [צוארי שלל].
In addition to being recognized as the city of God, Jerusalem will be called Zion of the Holy One of Israel. The primary approach among commentators is that this phrase signifies Zion belonging to the Holy One of Israel, highlighting it as the specific place where God has chosen to dwell [רש״י, רד״ק]. Other scholars suggest that the title builds upon the earlier mention of the city, meaning it should be understood as Zion, the city of the Holy One of Israel [אבן עזרא, שד״ל]. Regardless of the exact interpretation, these dual titles work together to elevate Jerusalem's greatness, firmly emphasizing its ultimate spiritual destiny as the dwelling place of God [מצודת דוד, שד״ל].