The arrival of a righteous leader, words of wisdom, or the dawn of redemption brings profound renewal to an exhausted nation. Just as nature responds to water, the human heart and society as a whole refresh and grow anew in the light of justice, morality, and divine blessing. The primary approach among commentators is that this renewal is likened to rain falling upon mown grass or sheared vegetation. The water descends like raindrops, sometimes striking quickly and powerfully like arrows [מצודת ציון], bringing a steady drip or flow. Some describe this flow as providing complete saturation and fullness [אבן עזרא], while others see it as quenching the dry, thirsty earth [מאירי].
This falling shower represents different forms of spiritual abundance. It can be seen as God's word descending directly into the hearts of the people [רש״י], or as the justice and righteousness of a king [רד״ק, אבן עזרא]. Others view it as moral instruction and guidance, such as the teachings of King Solomon, which the people eagerly yearn to hear [מצודת דוד, מלבי״ם, מאירי].
The choice of cut grass holds deep meaning. Grass that has been cut desperately needs water to grow again [רש״י]. Because its roots remain firmly in the ground, the arrival of water triggers rapid and wonderful regrowth [מצודת דוד]. Furthermore, a cut blade of grass acts like an open mouth, eagerly swallowing the water. This symbolizes a person's intense desire and readiness to receive moral guidance [מלבי״ם]. Taking a completely different approach, some view the imagery not as grass, but as a fleece of wool. In this view, the blessing is entirely absorbed by the people, just as wool soaks up every drop of water, ensuring that none of the divine abundance is wasted [ביאור שטיינזלץ].
As the water seeps deep into the plowed earth [מצודת דוד], it has the power to bring life to places that have not yet sprouted. This mirrors how words of wisdom can awaken reverence and understanding in the hearts of people who previously lacked any insight [מלבי״ם].
Beyond personal and moral growth, this imagery carries a national and historical weight. The mown grass represents the nation of Israel enduring the hardships and suffering of exile. When redemption arrives or the Messiah appears, God will quickly heal His people, allowing them to bloom and multiply once more like grass revived by water [רד״ק, מאירי]. The nature of this rainfall, however, depends entirely on the merits of the people. If they are worthy of redemption, the Messiah will arrive swiftly while the cut grass still holds its natural moisture, and the blessing will fall gently and calmly. But if redemption only comes at the very end of its allotted time, lacking the backing of merit, the nation's moisture will have dried up. In that case, the process will resemble a harsh, painful rainstorm, reflecting the difficult struggles that precede the final redemption [אלשיך].