A vision of future redemption promises the renewal and cementing of the eternal bond between God, the people, and Jerusalem. This points to a complete return to the Holy Land, marking the end of all future exiles and the restoration of the Divine Presence to its rightful place. One primary approach understands that God Himself will take the tribe of Judah as His personal portion and inheritance [רש״י, אבן עזרא, רד״ק]. Judah is specifically highlighted either because it is the royal tribe that leads the nation, or because it was the central tribe to return from exile during the Second Temple era [רד״ק]. Taking Judah as an inheritance represents an unbreakable connection, guaranteeing that the people will never again be exiled from their land [מצודת דוד].
Alternatively, rather than God taking an inheritance, the promise is that God will actively grant Judah its rightful portion in the land [אבן עזרא, אברבנאל, ביאור שטיינזלץ, צאינה וראינה]. Historically, during the First Temple period, Judah took a larger share of the land than was appropriate, leading to resentment among the other tribes. Later, during the Second Temple era, the land was not divided in an organized manner. In the ultimate redemption, however, God will ensure that Judah receives its exact, proper portion through a fair and equal distribution [אברבנאל].
A unique perspective merges these ideas with prophetic visions regarding the future division of the land. In this view, God will actually take possession of Judah's historical territory. This specific land will be separated as a holy offering to God, serving as the site for the new Temple and the dwelling place for the priests and Levites. Meanwhile, the tribe of Judah will be granted a completely new territory located to the north of this sacred area [מלבי״ם].
The promise of choosing Jerusalem anew signifies the return of the Divine Presence to the city, just as it was in ancient times [מצודת דוד], with the choice being made entirely fresh [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. This renewed selection also brings a fundamental change to the city's status. Jerusalem will no longer be the exclusive property of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin. Instead, it will be separated as a distinct thirteenth portion of the Land of Israel, dedicated entirely as a holy offering to God [אברבנאל, מלבי״ם].