The promise of redemption unfolds as a miraculous and completely inclusive gathering of exiles. In this ultimate return, no individual is left behind, regardless of how far away they are or how physically weak they might be.
The return begins by addressing the geographical origins of the people. From Babylon and the northern lands, where the vast majority of the exiled population is already concentrated together [רד״ק, שטיינזלץ], God simply brings them back to their homeland [מלבי״ם]. However, a more active gathering process is required for those scattered to the very ends of the earth [מצודת ציון, שטיינזלץ]. These remote regions represent the Ten Tribes, also known as Ephraim, who were dispersed to the farthest corners of the globe, even beyond the Sambation river [מצודת דוד, מלבי״ם, צאינה וראינה].
The absolute inclusion of this redemption is highlighted by the physical conditions of those returning. The journey will not be limited to the strong or the chosen elite; every single person will return, and no one will be missing [מצודת דוד, שטיינזלץ]. God makes it clear that He will not reject even the weakest or most failing members of the nation [רש״י]. This extends to everyone, including the blind, the disabled [מצודת ציון], pregnant women, and those giving birth. To make this journey possible for people who would normally struggle to travel long distances, God will lead them with great mercy. He will guide them along a straight path beside pleasant rivers so they will not stumble [רד ק בשם אביו, צאינה וראינה]. The journey will be so calm and gentle that even the most physically limited individuals will be able to walk safely at their own slow pace [רד״ק, שטיינזלץ].
Ultimately, this process results in a massive assembly returning to the land. While the primary approach among commentators is to view this simply as a description of the sheer volume of the returning crowd, a unique poetic perspective suggests a miracle of sudden population growth. Even in the most remote locations where only a few weak individuals remain, the congregation of Israel will miraculously multiply. It will be as if countless people are born in a single day, instantly transforming a small, frail group into a vast assembly returning home [מלבי״ם].