The process of redemption and the appearance of divine justice do not happen randomly. Instead, they operate much like the natural laws of growth and renewal. The primary approach among commentators is that justice will develop exactly as a plant grows from the soil [אבן עזרא]. This imagery of seeds sprouting in the earth illustrates the stages of future redemption, bringing forth success, light, and supreme divine grace.
A central theme within this process is the decay of a seed in the ground before it begins to sprout. This serves as a powerful metaphor for the period of Exile. During this time, the Israelites may appear lost, degraded, and decaying, a state that easily leads to despair. However, just as a seed's decomposition is a necessary phase before a new crop can emerge, the darkness and harsh decrees of Exile are an unavoidable preparation for redemption. The potential for salvation is already buried deep within the nation. From this state of absolute lowliness, a profound renewal will sprout, ultimately multiplying their honor and numbers [מצודת דוד, רד״ק, צאינה וראינה, אהבת יהונתן, שטיינזלץ].
When considering exactly how this redemption will unfold, different perspectives complement one another to form a complete picture. On one hand, the process is highly gradual. Just as a plant grows slowly over time, redemption will happen little by little. If a person sitting in total darkness is suddenly exposed to a massive light, they will be blinded and harmed; therefore, salvation must arrive at a measured pace [צוארי שלל]. On the other hand, there is a distinct element of surprise. Because a seed is hidden deep underground, no one knows what is happening until the green shoot suddenly breaks the surface. In this sense, the arrival of redemption will catch people off guard [שד״ל]. Furthermore, this growth is an ongoing process. Much like a garden that produces different crops according to the changing seasons rather than all at once, the Israelites will experience a continuous, steady stream of blessings [רד״ק].
The imagery carefully distinguishes between wild earth and a cultivated garden, representing the necessary partnership between divine grace and human effort. The uncultivated earth symbolizes wild, natural growth that happens without planting. This reflects a salvation driven purely by God's supreme grace, completely independent of the nation's own merits. Conversely, a garden requires active plowing and planting, symbolizing human effort and the good deeds of the Israelites. The blending of these two concepts teaches that redemption requires an initial human awakening. The people must first take action, much like plowing a field. Only after this human effort does God provide the dew and rain, causing salvation to grow in the merit of those deeds, combined with His own free grace [מלבי״ם, רד״ק, אדרת אליהו].
Ultimately, this complex process of salvation will unfold in full view of the entire world. All the nations will witness the success and radiant light of the Israelites and clearly recognize their greatness. They will stand as witnesses to this glory, even if the ultimate salvation was born entirely out of divine grace rather than the full merit of the Israelites [רד״ק, שטיינזלץ, אהבת יהונתן].