איוב, פרק ל״ח, פסוק כ״ז

God's providence reaches even the most forgotten and barren corners of the earth. By sending rain to lifeless landscapes, He revives the dry ground and brings forth fresh growth where nothing existed before. The primary approach among commentators is that this depicts a state of absolute wasteland and barrenness. However, they paint this picture of ruin in slightly different shades. It is seen as a place of deep darkness and complete desolation [מצודת ציון], or simply as a harsh desert and ruined terrain [רלב״ג]. It can also be understood as a miserable, neglected area that no human being would ever bother to water [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Others emphasize a deep sense of starvation in the land itself, describing it as an environment darkened by severe famine [רש״י] or as earth that is literally hungry and thirsty [רמב״ן].

God sends heavy rains specifically to satisfy this parched earth [מצודת דוד], causing green grass to sprout. The ultimate purpose of this sudden growth is viewed from several perspectives. One approach suggests that the fresh vegetation is meant to provide food for the wild animals and birds that roam these remote, empty regions [רמב״ן]. Another perspective views this as a process of preparing the land for human life. God transforms the dry desert into an oasis filled with water, allowing hungry people to settle there, build, and establish a new city [מלבי״ם].

A completely different approach views this act of nature through a moral lens, focusing on God's guidance of His people. According to this view, God intentionally sends rain to empty, unpopulated wastelands while withholding it from inhabited areas. This stark contrast is meant to shock the people and awaken their conscience. When they witness the rain falling only on the desert, they are moved to cry out to God. Only after their prayers and sincere return to Him will He cause grass to grow and bring His blessing to their own populated lands [אלשיך].