זכריה, פרק י׳, פסוק ו׳

The promise of redemption brings a divided nation back together, offering strength, salvation, and a profound divine reconciliation that washes away the scars of the past. The process begins with the House of Judah. God will grant them the courage and bravery needed to fight their enemies [רד״ק, אברבנאל]. Because the tribe of Judah was weak and oppressed, they specifically require this surge of strength [מלבי״ם]. This bravery is sometimes identified specifically with the historic victory of the Hasmoneans over the Greeks [רש״י]. Judah leads this process because they are the ones who initiate the unfolding of the redemption [אברבנאל].

In contrast, the House of Joseph represents the ten tribes [מצודת דוד, אברבנאל]. While Judah requires strength, the descendants of Joseph are already strong but find themselves lost and scattered in exile, such as those banished during the time of Sennacherib. Therefore, their specific need is to be saved and gathered from their banishment [רש״י, מלבי״ם]. Alternatively, both houses can be viewed together as representing the unified people who return from Assyria to build the Second Temple [אבן עזרא].

The next stage of redemption involves a dual action of returning and settling. Out of His deep mercy, God will not only bring the people back to the Land of Israel but will also ensure they settle there securely and peacefully [אבן עזרא, רד״ק, מצודת ציון]. This profound mercy creates a reality so complete that it will feel as though God had never abandoned them. Even though He previously cast them out of their land in anger, the new circumstances will be so overwhelmingly positive that the feeling of abandonment will vanish entirely [רש״י, מלבי״ם]. The commentators agree that the immense goodness, honor, and peace they experience will cause the dark days of exile and suffering to be completely forgotten.

The redemption culminates with a firm reassurance of God's presence and His power to multiply this goodness [מצודת דוד]. During the long years of exile, it often seemed as though God was ignoring their prayers. However, in the time of redemption, He resumes His role as the God of their ancestors. He will watch over them closely and answer them whenever they call out to Him [מלבי״ם, אברבנאל, ביאור שטיינזלץ].