יחזקאל, פרק מ״ז, פסוק ח׳

A miraculous stream of living water bursts forth from the Temple, making its way eastward toward desolate landscapes and salty bodies of water. As it flows, it initiates a profound process of healing and sweetening, tracing a path that serves as both a geographic and a spiritual map. The primary approach among commentators is that the water first travels toward an eastern district. From there, it descends into the plain and depression of the Jordan Valley [מצודת ציון, רד״ק, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Following the tradition of the Sages, the journey of the water is marked by clear stations. It flows first to the Sea of Tiberias, continues onward to the Sea of Sodom, and ultimately reaches a vast sea [רש״י, מלבי״ם].

There are different views regarding the water's final destination. Some understand it as flowing outward into the great ocean that surrounds the settled world [רש״י, מצודת דוד]. Alternatively, others suggest the water reaches the western sea. This aligns with another prophetic vision where living waters emerge from Jerusalem and split in two directions. According to this perspective, the stream divides, with one part flowing east to the Sea of Sodom and the other flowing west to the Great Sea [רד״ק, מצודת דוד]. Regardless of its exact path, the core purpose of this flow is restoration. The concept of healing in this context refers to sweetening; the miraculous waters cure the seas of their harsh saltiness, transforming them into fresh, usable water [רש״י, מצודת ציון].

Beyond the physical landscape, the journey of the water carries a deep allegorical message. The flowing waters symbolize the knowledge and awareness of God that will eventually spread throughout the entire world. The division of the stream to the east and the west represents the spread of faith among the nations, specifically the descendants of Ishmael in the east and the descendants of Edom in the west. The water heals them from false beliefs, which are compared to the blinding salt of Sodom. Furthermore, the water reaching the Sea of Sodom represents the spiritual healing of those deeply immersed in idol worship. In contrast, when the water arrives at the Sea of Tiberias, a place where the Israelites dwell, it symbolizes the healing of their souls. Ultimately, the wisdom of God will fill all people, each according to their own spiritual readiness [מלבי״ם].