ישעיהו, פרק ס׳, פסוק ט׳

The vision of gathering the exiles takes on a truly global scale, uniting the nations of the world, distant lands, and great fleets for a single divine purpose. The ultimate goal is to return the people of Israel to their homeland with profound honor, splendor, and wealth. Distant countries and the inhabitants of remote islands will actively participate in this vast movement [רד״ק, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

The primary approach among commentators is that these foreign nations will eagerly await God's command, hoping for His reward out of a deep recognition of His greatness and absolute power to do good or harm [רד״ק, אבן עזרא, ביאור שטיינזלץ, צאינה וראינה]. Alternatively, their action is understood not as hoping, but as a physical gathering together, much like the gathering of the waters during the world's creation [מצודת ציון, שד״ל]. A more miraculous perspective suggests that the islands themselves—fragmented pieces of land in the sea—will physically move and attach to the mainland to declare God's righteousness [אהבת יהונתן].

Great ships will join this divine effort [מצודת ציון], arriving with the same majesty as the magnificent fleets during the era of King Solomon [רש״י, רד״ק, אבן עזרא, צאינה וראינה]. These ships are broadly understood as any large, fast vessels capable of sailing great distances [שד״ל], or they are specifically noted due to their geographical proximity to the land of Israel [אבן עזרא]. Another view identifies a specific western location where the Divine Presence rests; because the initial call to gather the exiles will echo from there, those ships will be the first to awaken and set sail [אהבת יהונתן].

Those returning to their homeland will not arrive as impoverished refugees or ransomed captives. Instead, they will travel as honored dignitaries permanently relocating from afar, bringing all their possessions with them [מלבי״ם, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Regarding the vast amounts of silver and gold accompanying them, opinions differ. Some maintain that this is the personal wealth of the Israelites, ensuring they leave absolutely nothing behind in exile [רד״ק]. These wealthy individuals will not need to worry about the heavy burden of their riches or the hardships of travel, as the nations of the world will supply all their needs along the journey [צאינה וראינה]. Another perspective argues that the wealth belongs to the foreign nations, who will bring their own fortunes as a devoted offering to God [מצודת דוד, רד״ק]. A different approach connects this immense wealth to the sincere conversion of foreigners in the Messianic era. While some might convert for financial gain, kings and wealthy individuals who arrive with their own fortunes will be warmly welcomed, as their independent wealth proves their intentions are entirely pure and directed toward Heaven [אהבת יהונתן].

Ultimately, this monumental operation is completely devoid of material profit. It is orchestrated exclusively for the name of God. Upon hearing of His might, the nations will actively work to publicize His name, which is eternally bound to Israel [רש״י, מצודת דוד, מלבי״ם]. God has bestowed such profound majesty and importance upon the people of Israel that the nations themselves will step forward to serve them, escorting them back as a pure offering to the Temple [מצודת דוד, רד״ק, מלבי״ם].