יחזקאל, פרק ל״ו, פסוק ל״ד

The restoration of the Land of Israel is marked by a dramatic shift from total neglect to active, flourishing agriculture. The primary approach among commentators views this transformation literally. The change from a barren wasteland to a settled, actively plowed, and sown landscape is so clear that it requires almost no explanation [רד״ק]. Instead of remaining empty, the soil will once again be worked and brought back to life [רש״י, מצודת דוד, מצודת ציון, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

Beyond this simple agricultural revival, a deeper historical perspective connects the public nature of this transformation to the very first person to walk the earth. According to this view, the original passerby witnessing the land was Adam. As he traveled the world assessing which regions were naturally suited for human settlement, he found that the Land of Israel lacked any natural potential. By its own nature, it was destined to remain a barren desert. The only reason it ever flourished in the past was due to a special abundance provided directly by God, which made it fertile. When the destruction occurred and God withdrew His presence, the land simply reverted to its natural state of complete desolation, similar to the ruin of Sodom. The promise of future cultivation is therefore a profound miracle. It guarantees that the land will thrive once more, completely defying the ancient assessment made by the very first human who passed through and saw only a wasteland [אהבת יהונתן].