זכריה, פרק י״ד, פסוק ח׳

In the future, Jerusalem will undergo a massive geographical and spiritual transformation. Following a great earthquake at the Mount of Olives, the newly divided city will not face destruction. Instead, it will emerge as a global source of life and blessing. The primary approach among commentators is to understand this event as a literal, physical miracle. Fresh spring water will well up from the Temple and flow outward through the newly formed valley [רש״י, אבן עזרא, מצודת דוד, מצודת ציון]. Although Jerusalem naturally lacks large water sources, it will miraculously become the primary watershed for the land of Israel [אברבנאל, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

These waters will split into two opposing directions, flowing east toward the Dead Sea and west toward the Mediterranean Sea [מצודת ציון, רד״ק, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Furthermore, this flow will be continuous and eternal. Unlike ordinary streams that shrink or vanish in extreme weather, this miraculous river will neither dry up in the summer heat nor freeze in the winter cold [רד״ק, מצודת דוד, צאינה וראינה].

Alongside the physical reality, many commentators find a deep symbolic layer where the fresh water represents spiritual abundance. The water spreading to the edges of the earth symbolizes the spread of Torah, true faith, and divine knowledge radiating from Jerusalem to all corners of the globe [מלבי״ם, אברבנאל]. These waters also possess profound healing and purifying qualities. In the natural world, ocean waters are salty and flawed due to their stagnation, but the sweet waters from Jerusalem will flow into these seas, healing them and granting them renewed life [אהבת יהונתן].

This purifying power will also deeply affect the human soul. While certain waters in the past aroused negative desires and led to sin, these new waters will drown out impure forces. They will purify the people, eliminate the urge to do evil, and elevate the nation to a state of absolute holiness and innocence [צאינה וראינה]. Ultimately, the physical and symbolic interpretations complement one another. Just as the physical waters will nourish the land and reach the ends of the earth, God's truth will flow from Zion to heal the entire world from its spiritual impurities and ailments [אברבנאל].