יואל, פרק ד׳, פסוק א׳

A specific point in time is destined for ultimate redemption and divine justice against the nations. The primary approach among commentators is that this era points to the distant future, specifically the end of days and the Messianic period [רד״ק, מלבי״ם, אבן עזרא]. However, an alternative perspective suggests these events already took place during the reign of King Jehoshaphat. During that historical era, captives taken during the time of the Patriarchs were freed, and a profound fear of God gripped the surrounding nations [אבן עזרא בשם ר' משה].

The heart of this redemption involves the freeing of captives [מצודת ציון]. This process of return unfolds in two distinct ways [מנחת שי]. First, it represents a state of deep rest and quiet, marking the complete restoration of Israel to its former spiritual greatness [רד״ק, מלבי״ם]. Second, it involves an active rescue, physically bringing the exiled captives back to their homeland [רד״ק, מצודת דוד].

While the immediate focus of this redemption is placed on Judah and Jerusalem, the exiled ten tribes will also be redeemed and return alongside them [מצודת דוד, מלבי״ם, רד״ק, אברבנאל]. There are a few reasons for the specific focus on Judah and Jerusalem. Some explain that the prophet's message was originally directed only toward them [מצודת דוד, אברבנאל], while others note that the tribe of Judah holds a primary status in God's eyes [מלבי״ם]. Furthermore, the Messiah is destined to emerge from the tribe of Judah, with Jerusalem serving as his royal capital [רד״ק].

The mention of Jerusalem also signals a massive conflict destined to take place there, though commentators debate its exact nature. One approach identifies this as the great war of Gog and Magog, where all the nations of the world will gather to attack the city [רד״ק]. A sharply different view suggests the conflict will be a fierce struggle between Edom, representing the Christians, and Ishmael, representing the Muslims. According to this understanding, God will incite these two global powers to fight each other for control over the Land of Israel and Jerusalem. Through this mutual destruction, He will execute His judgment against them, taking revenge for their past devastation of the land [אברבנאל].