ישעיהו, פרק מ״ג, פסוק כ׳

Transforming a barren desert into a lush oasis brings about a profound shift in the natural world. As the exiles make their journey back to their homeland through the wilderness, the arid wasteland fills with water, sparking joy and a sense of gratitude that extends even to the wild animals.

The primary approach among commentators is that the image of wild creatures honoring God serves as a metaphor. It illustrates how desert animals will rejoice and seemingly offer praise when they suddenly find abundant water in their typically dry habitats. Specific creatures are highlighted in this event, such as a type of snake and desert birds [מצודת ציון]. These animals are deliberately mentioned because their natural environment is hot and desolate [אבן עזרא, מלבי״ם].

There is an interesting discussion regarding how these animals experience the new water. Some explain that the creatures will rejoice simply because they will no longer lack water to drink [רד״ק, שד״ל]. In contrast, another perspective suggests that these specific animals do not actually need water at all, as they are entirely adapted to living in dry conditions. Therefore, the honor they give to God does not stem from any personal benefit, but rather from their recognition of the sheer greatness of the miracle itself [מלבי״ם].

Despite the joy of the animals, there is a clear consensus that the central purpose of this miracle is not to care for the wildlife. Rather, it is to provide water for the Israelites, the nation God chose from among all others [רד״ק]. For their sake, God transforms the ruined, dry landscape into a habitable place [רש״י], ensuring they have water as they return from exile [מצודת דוד]. This dynamic presents a powerful lesson: if mute wild animals, who were not created to praise God and who are not the intended beneficiaries of the miracle, still honor Him, it is all the more certain that the chosen nation should do the same [מלבי״ם].