An emotional call urges Jerusalem, long desolate and abandoned, to open her eyes and witness a great wonder unfolding. The era of redemption marks a profound historical turning point where the city transforms into a global spiritual center, drawing massive crowds from every direction [מלבי״ם].
Regarding the identity of these gathering masses, one perspective identifies them as the exiled Israelites, the children of Jerusalem finally coming home [רד״ק, מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. A broader interpretation suggests that these are the nations of the world. Instead of gathering for war, the gentiles arrive to learn Torah, embrace the belief in God, and witness the glory of Israel. Through this experience, they will recognize God's profound love for His people and feel a deep sense of shame for their own past actions against them [מלבי״ם, אברבנאל, צאינה וראינה].
Amidst this global convergence, the scattered Israelites make their return. On a physical level, this refers to the sons who vanished into distant lands and are now coming back [ביאור שטיינזלץ, צאינה וראינה]. On a spiritual level, this describes those who strayed far from God but are now finding their way back to Him in sincere repentance [אהבת יהונתן]. Remarkably, this return does not require strenuous effort on their part. The nations of the world will actively assist in bringing the Israelites back to Jerusalem [שד״ל, אברבנאל], with some traditions adding that clouds of glory will carry them swiftly and safely [צאינה וראינה].
The returning daughters will experience a homecoming characterized by extraordinary gentleness and honor. They will be cared for much like a devoted caregiver holds a small infant resting securely on the hip [אבן עזרא, רד״ק, מצודת ציון, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. These tender daughters will not need to walk on their own. Instead, they will receive meticulous care, carried by kings and princes or transported comfortably in royal carriages [רש״י, מצודת דוד, רד״ק, צאינה וראינה]. The fact that they are carried by others further emphasizes that the nations will gladly take on the labor of returning the Israelites to their homeland [שד״ל].
Beyond the physical care they receive, the imagery of being held at the side holds deep symbolic meaning. One approach suggests that it represents the right side, the domain of the good inclination, indicating that in the future, humanity will lean entirely toward goodness and complete righteousness [אדרת אליהו]. Another view relates the side to the rib from which the first woman was created. This serves as a promise that women will overcome the evil inclination and attain spiritual perfection, supported by their deep connection to their husbands' study of Torah [אהבת יהונתן].