מיכה, פרק ז׳, פסוק י״ב

A monumental future era approaches, bringing vast historical and geographical changes that will shift the global balance of power. Commentators are divided on the exact nature of this time. One perspective views it as a period of strict judgment and retribution, where armies will gather to destroy the nations that historically oppressed Israel [רש״י, רד״ק, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. This could involve a massive global conflict where Eastern nations, alongside the Ten Lost Tribes, rise up against the Roman Empire [אברבנאל]. Conversely, another approach views this era as one of profound salvation and renewal. In this vision, the nations of the world will journey to Jerusalem to willingly accept its guidance [מצודת דוד], accompanied by an immense ingathering of the Israelite exiles from every corner of the earth [רש״י, רד״ק, מנחת שי].

The boundaries of this great event are carefully drawn, beginning with Assyria. This empire is specifically singled out because it was the primary oppressor and the site of the very first Israelite exile [רש״י, רד״ק]. From there, the movement sweeps toward heavily fortified cities, representing inescapable strongholds [רד״ק, מצודת ציון]. However, some identify these strongholds specifically as the land of Egypt [רד״ק, ביאור שטיינזלץ, אברבנאל]. Another view suggests this refers to specific nations once sealed within the cities of Media by Alexander the Great, who are destined to finally break free [אברבנאל].

These events will cover immense distances, reaching all the way to the Euphrates River, which marks the traditional border of the land of Israel and the beginning of foreign territories [רד״ק, מצודת דוד, אברבנאל]. The scope then expands outward from sea to sea and mountain to mountain. These landmarks refer to the extreme borders of the land, stretching toward the Western Sea and reaching Mount Hor, the burial place of Aaron the Priest [רד״ק, מצודת דוד]. Taking a broader global view, the movement spans the entire earth, from the ancient eastern seas to the western waters, and from the southern peaks to the northern mountains [אבן עזרא, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Ultimately, the arena for these events will be vast, involving naval fleets clashing in the open waters and military forces descending from the high mountain peaks [אברבנאל].