תהלים, פרק ס״ט, פסוק ל״ו

The ultimate joy and praise of all creation are intimately bound to the redemption of Israel. When God brings about this long-awaited salvation, heaven and earth will unite to praise Him [אבן עזרא].

This divine salvation will take physical shape when God rescues Zion and rebuilds the ruined cities of Judah. The specific focus on these locations carries deep significance. The primary approach among commentators is that Zion is highlighted because it serves as the royal capital, while the cities of Judah act as a practical representation for all the destroyed cities across the land of Israel [רד״ק, מלבי״ם, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Alternatively, the cities of Judah receive special mention because they share a direct portion and connection to Jerusalem [אבן עזרא]. Taking a more historical and spiritual perspective, the mention of Judah serves as a broader symbol. All the exiles of Israel are referred to as Judah because, upon their redemption, they will finally unite under the leadership of the Davidic dynasty, which stems directly from that tribe [מאירי].

Following this period of salvation and reconstruction, the prisoners of the exile and the people of Judah, who are the descendants of God's faithful servants, will return to settle the land [מצודת דוד, רד״ק, מאירי]. The promise then culminates in an assurance of absolute inheritance. This guarantees a complete transfer of ownership, ensuring that the land will be passed down securely to future generations [מלבי״ם]. Whether this inheritance refers specifically to Zion or encompasses the entire land of Israel [רד״ק], it carries a powerful guarantee of an eternal redemption. Unlike past historical redemptions, which functioned as temporary gifts that could be interrupted or taken away, this final inheritance will be a continuous, everlasting possession, even as the rest of the world does not experience a comparable rebuilding [אלשיך].