The dramatic end of the exile brings a vivid scene of a physical journey paired with a deep spiritual awakening. Driven by a strong desire to renew their bond with God, the returning exiles begin their march toward Jerusalem. Following the destruction of Babylon and granted permission to leave by Cyrus King of Persia, the people actively seek the path leading to the holy city. They are moving toward the very place where the prophet stands. The primary approach among commentators is that their physical direction is now firmly set toward Jerusalem [רש״י, רד״ק, מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Adding an emotional layer, [מלבי״ם] notes that while the exiles had previously turned their faces toward Zion only during their prayers, they are now physically facing the city to actually walk there. In this view, they are turning directly to Zion itself, asking the city to guide them on their journey.
As they travel, a powerful call rings out to join together and connect with God. Most commentators explain that the exiles themselves voice this call, encouraging one another to unite and draw close to Him [רד״ק, מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Alternatively, [מלבי״ם] suggests that this is the city of Zion responding to the approaching exiles, inviting them to come and bond with God. This gathering will not be limited to the returning exiles alone; it will also include converts who will join the people of Israel as they leave Babylon. Ultimately, this vision captures both the historical return to Jerusalem and the future redemption in the Messianic era [רד״ק].
The ultimate goal of this journey is to establish a stable, enduring commitment [מצודת ציון]. The travelers urge each other to form a new, eternal covenant with God, one that will never fade from memory [מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. From another perspective, this represents a comforting promise from Zion to the returning people: the original, everlasting covenant that God made with them was never forgotten, even through the long years of exile [מלבי״ם].