צפניה, פרק ג׳, פסוק י׳

In the prophetic vision of the future, the recognition of God's kingship is destined to reach the most remote and isolated corners of the earth. This awakening will draw in distant peoples who have never known God, creating an extraordinary unity among humanity centered on serving the Creator. The geographical focus points to the extreme southern edge of the world, lying far beyond the borders of Egypt [ביאור שטיינזלץ].

In these distant regions live specific groups, though their exact identity is a matter of discussion. The primary approach among commentators suggests these are distinct nations, families, or remote places located in that southern territory [אבן עזרא, מצודת ציון, רד״ק, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. These groups are understood to be idol worshippers who are entirely disconnected from any knowledge of God or familiarity with the Israelites [מלבי״ם, אברבנאל]. Conversely, another perspective identifies these groups as the Israelites themselves who are currently in exile. According to this view, these are the people who actively pray and plead to God, and whose prayers He answers, representing the scattered communities of Israelites dispersed among the nations [רש״י, אבן עזרא, רד״ק, אברבנאל].

Regardless of their exact identity, a promise is made that these groups will step forward to bring a meaningful gift and offering to God [מצודת ציון]. The nature of this offering changes depending on who is bringing it. If the groups are the scattered Israelites, they are the ones who will personally deliver their offerings to God [רש״י, אבן עזרא]. However, if the groups are the distant nations, they will unite in serving God and bring their own gifts [אברבנאל]. Some commentators emphasize a striking alternative: the offering brought by these foreign nations will actually be the Israelites themselves. The nations will actively gather the dispersed exiles, such as those exiled by Sennacherib, and return them to Jerusalem as a dedicated offering to God [מצודת דוד, מלבי״ם, רד״ק].

This universal agreement among distant nations to serve God together is a truly wondrous phenomenon. Such a massive shift in the awareness of the world's nations will be triggered by a profound and awe-inspiring event, such as the resurrection of the dead. The sheer wonder generated by this event will inspire the nations to willingly accept the service of God on their own accord. This remarkable level of unity and devotion certainly did not take place during the era of the Second Temple, a time that was heavily marked by internal conflicts [אברבנאל].