יחזקאל, פרק ל״ו, פסוק ד׳

A profound message of hope and restoration is spoken directly to the physical landscapes of the Land of Israel. In the past, the mountains and hills were the targets of harsh warnings and destruction, but now they are the recipients of God's comforting promise of renewal [רד״ק]. The divine address sweeps across the diverse geography of the land, calling out to the channels where water flows with immense power, as well as to the deep valleys and lowlands [מצודת ציון].

A careful distinction is made regarding the desolation scattered across this landscape, identifying two specific types of abandoned settlements. Some places are complete ruins, having been utterly destroyed and left desolate without anyone attempting to rebuild them. In contrast, other cities remain physically intact but stand empty because their inhabitants were forced to flee and abandon them [מלבי״ם, מצודת דוד].

God also addresses the cruel reaction of the neighboring nations to this widespread ruin. When the land fell, these neighbors treated it with deep contempt, viewing the territory as cheap and worthless. They openly ridiculed the lowly state and the actions of the Israelites [מלבי״ם, מצודת ציון]. This arrogant attitude was especially characteristic of nations like Moab. Even though they did not actively conquer Israelite territory or carry out the physical destruction themselves, they stood on the sidelines, despising and mocking the suffering. Because of their cruel indifference, God had already decreed a punishment upon these nations. Now, He turns His attention back to the mountains of Israel to announce that their period of suffering has ended and a new era of restoration is about to begin [מלבי״ם].