יחזקאל, פרק ל״ח, פסוק י״ב

An impending invasion is driven not just by malice, but by calculated greed and strategic ambition. Gog looks at the Land of Israel and sees a vital economic and military prize that fits perfectly into his broader plans of conquest [שטיינזלץ]. His ultimate goal is to thoroughly plunder and loot the nation.

The target of this massive attack is a nation that has recently experienced a remarkable revival. The Israelites have been gathered from their scattered places of exile among the foreign nations and brought back to their homeland [מצודת דוד, שטיינזלץ]. Gog plans to strike at the newly resettled areas, aiming to destroy the cities of Israel a second time after they had finally been rebuilt [רש״י, מצודת דוד, רד״ק, שטיינזלץ]. His campaign is seen either as a deliberate effort to return these thriving cities back to their former ruined state [רש״י, רד״ק], or as a second military expedition, following a previous instance where he arrived to assist an enemy [מצודת דוד]. Alternatively, his strategy involves a massive gathering of military camps just before the strike [רד״ק].

The restored nation has not only rebuilt its cities but has also actively accumulated significant wealth [מצודת ציון, שטיינזלץ]. The primary approach among commentators is to divide this wealth into two categories: living assets, such as flocks and cattle, and other forms of purchased property [מצודת דוד, רד״ק]. A finer distinction suggests that one type of wealth represents assets actively bought with money, while the other encompasses naturally generating profits that require no direct purchase, such as the offspring of livestock and the yield of the fields [מלבי״ם].

This newly prosperous nation dwells in a uniquely significant location, compared to the navel of the earth. Just as the navel sits at the middle of the human body, the Land of Israel is positioned at the very center of the world [רש״י, מצודת דוד, רד״ק, מצודת ציון, שטיינזלץ]. Beyond its central geography, the navel imagery also reflects the land's physical elevation and strength. It sits on high ground, sloping downward on all sides, making it elevated above all other lands [רש״י, מצודת דוד, רד״ק].