עובדיה, פרק א׳, פסוק י״ז

A profound reversal of fate awaits the nations of the world and the people of Israel. While the foreign nations responsible for destroying the land are destined to be completely wiped out without a trace, the Israelites will experience salvation, sanctification, and the restoration of their lost territories. Despite the tragic loss of many Israelites throughout the long years of exile, a substantial remnant will endure. These survivors will be spared from the ravages of war and will gradually gather back to Mount Zion, standing in sharp contrast to the doom facing their enemies [רד״ק, אבן עזרא, מלבי״ם, אברבנאל, צאינה וראינה]. Opinions vary regarding exactly when this gathering takes place. While some view it as a distant future promise, others suggest it already occurred historically during the reign of King Hezekiah or the era of the Second Temple [אבן עזרא].

This physical survival is deeply rooted in spiritual merit, specifically sustained by the nation's dedication to Torah study and houses of learning [אדרת אליהו]. Consequently, both the mountain and the people will attain a state of absolute holiness to God, never to be profaned again [רד״ק, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. In practical terms, this means that strangers and those who are impure will no longer invade or even pass through the land [רד״ק, מצודת דוד, אברבנאל]. Furthermore, this holiness is not merely the end result of the redemption, but the very catalyst for it. Just as property dedicated to God is completely removed from foreign ownership, the Israelites' sanctification through keeping the Commandments breaks the chains of their exile and directly brings about their salvation [אדרת אליהו].

The culmination of this salvation is a complete reversal of fortunes. The entire nation, encompassing all twelve tribes [אברבנאל], will reclaim its rightful territory. They will take possession of the wealth, spoils, and lands of the very nations that previously plundered and conquered them. Beyond merely returning to their original borders, the Israelites will expand outward, taking over the territories of neighboring nations such as Edom, Moab, and the Philistines [רד״ק]. This reclamation is not a temporary victory but an eternal, deeply established possession, secured to be passed down to their children for all generations [מלבי״ם].