The era of redemption brings a profound spiritual shift for the entire world, as humanity recognizes the truth and seeks a closer relationship with the Creator. Yet, rather than blurring lines, this universal awakening actually highlights and strengthens the unique, intimate bond between God and His people.
The primary approach among commentators is that in the end of days, many nations will abandon idolatry and attach themselves to the true faith [רש״י, רד״ק, מצודת ציון]. This mass awakening occurs because once God openly reveals His presence in Israel, the old belief that He is distant and that people must worship intermediaries like the sun or the moon will be completely shattered. People will naturally feel compelled to cling to God alone [אדרת אליהו]. In fact, this spiritual gathering fulfills the ultimate purpose of the Israelite exile, which was meant to sift through the nations and elevate the hidden sparks of holiness that form the souls of these future converts [חומת אנך].
Accepting converts during the Messianic era presents certain difficulties, as their true motivations might be questioned. However, these individuals will be accepted either because they choose to join with a completely sincere heart just moments before the Messiah is fully revealed and universal wisdom spreads [צוארי שלל], or because the Messianic king will possess a miraculous ability to read human hearts, ensuring that only those with pure intentions are welcomed [אהבת יהונתן]. Offering a different perspective, some suggest that the gathering of many nations does not refer to foreign peoples joining the faith at all, but rather to the grand return of the Israelites themselves from all corners of the globe [אברבנאל].
Even with multitudes joining the faith and becoming God's people [ביאור שטיינזלץ], a clear distinction remains. The Divine Presence will rest exclusively within the people of Israel, rather than among the newly joined nations [מצודת דוד, מלבי״ם, אברבנאל]. Additionally, while these sincere converts will become part of God's people, they will not receive a physical inheritance in the Holy Land, as that territory is reserved strictly for Israel [צוארי שלל].
When this grand vision finally comes to pass, the people of Israel will clearly see that this profound message of hope and destiny was directed primarily toward them. This stands in sharp contrast to previous prophetic missions, which served merely as warnings to the nations [מלבי״ם, אברבנאל, מצודת דוד].