During the reign of an ideal and worthy king, society is transformed, experiencing profound spiritual prosperity and absolute security. This transformation mirrors the natural world. Just as rainfall causes plants to sprout and thrive, the positive influence and direct guidance of a proper leader cause goodness to grow naturally throughout the world [אבן עזרא, מלבי״ם]. This growth represents a constant, upward elevation of the people [מצודת דוד].
The identity of those who flourish under this leadership is understood in a few different ways. It can represent the entire nation of Israel experiencing widespread prosperity [רש״י]. It also points to a growing number of good individuals who find safety and security because of the king's strong moral character [רד״ק, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. The presence of such an honest ruler can even inspire awe in the people of that generation, prompting them to improve their behavior and become truly righteous themselves [מאירי]. Looking through a more specific lens, this flourishing figure is identified as the Messiah son of Joseph [אלשיך].
Alongside this blossoming of justice, the world will be filled with an overwhelming and endless peace. The primary approach among commentators is that this state of harmony is meant to be permanent. It is described as lasting until the moon itself wears out and crumbles away, signifying a reality that continues forever [מצודת ציון].
There are differing views on whether this endless peace is a historical event or a future promise. On one hand, this level of prosperity and peace was actually achieved during the era of King Solomon. However, the promise of it lasting forever was conditional on his actions. Because Solomon ultimately sinned, the eternal aspect of the peace did not come to pass [רש״י]. From this perspective, describing the peace as permanent is an intentional exaggeration. On the other hand, if this vision refers to the future Messianic era, the promise of an everlasting, global peace will be fulfilled completely and literally [רד״ק].
A different approach views the moon as a direct symbol for the Messiah son of David. According to this understanding, the Messiah son of Joseph will experience such great peace and continuous success that he will never need the Messiah son of David to pray for him, revive him, or ask God for mercy on his behalf [אלשיך].