תהלים, פרק כ״ב, פסוק כ״ח

In the future, the impact of God's actions will echo across the globe, bringing about a worldwide recognition of His kingship. A profound awakening will take place among the nations, ultimately leading them to serve God.

This transformation begins with a collective memory. Even distant peoples living at the very edges of the earth [מצודת ציון, שטיינזלץ] will hear of these events, remember them, and return to God. The primary approach among commentators [רש״י, רד״ק, מאירי] is that the nations will recall the past suffering, poverty, and lowliness of the Israelites. When they witness the immense salvation and goodness now bestowed upon Israel, they will be moved to seek God. Alternatively, others suggest that the nations will simply remember the sheer magnitude of the miracles and wonders performed by God Himself [אבן עזרא, מצודת דוד, שטיינזלץ].

This global shift will not be limited to those who are naturally humble; entire families of nations will arrive at this profound realization [אבן עזרא]. However, this awakening is not immediate. Unlike the Israelites, who recognized the truth and turned back to God as a result of their own hardships, the other nations will not repent the moment they witness these miracles. Instead, their return to God will only fully unfold during the days of the Messiah [אלשיך].

As this future era dawns, the nations will display two distinct reactions, driven by different aspects of how God guides the world [מלבי״ם]. First, they will willingly return to Him, recognizing God as the Creator and accepting His natural, undeniable kingship. Second, they will bow down in forced submission, driven by fear and awe of His absolute power to rule and punish. In witnessing this ultimate vision of universal awe, the prophet shifts his focus, speaking directly to God [רד״ק] in quiet reverence as the entire world finally bows before Him.