יואל, פרק ד׳, פסוק י״ז

Absolute recognition of God in the world is deeply connected to His permanent return to Jerusalem. When this process is complete, the city will undergo a complete transformation, becoming a protected, sacred space that is no longer under foreign control. The undeniable knowledge of God will naturally emerge as a result of His permanent presence dwelling within the heart of the city [מצודת דוד, מלבי״ם]. However, this profound promise depends entirely on a central condition: these events will only unfold if the people faithfully observe God's Law and listen to His voice [אבן עזרא].

Once God's presence rests there, Jerusalem will reclaim its holy status and be safely restored to the hands of its children [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. This renewed state guarantees that foreigners will never again pass through the city, an assurance that is understood from two distinct perspectives. From the standpoint of security and national sovereignty, this means hostile forces will no longer march through Jerusalem to cause harm, conquer, or hold victory parades as they did in the past [רד״ק, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

On a deeper level, this absence of foreigners reflects the intense, inherent holiness the city will achieve. Jerusalem's sanctity will grow so great that the entire city will be treated as sacred property, much like the Sanctuary itself. Because of this, foreign nations will be completely unable to enter [רד״ק]. This elevated state of purity will be so overwhelming that even the Israelites themselves will carefully avoid entering the sacred areas without a specific, necessary purpose [מלבי״ם].