The prophets had spoken of the restoration as a time when the wilderness would change into the garden of Eden (Isaiah 51:3; Ezekiel 47). However, the reality was far from paradise. Here, the restoration community prays for complete redemption (see Haggai 2:19).
like streams in the Negev: Seasonal rains filled the dry riverbeds (wadis), making the land green again. The prayer seeks a similar change in Israel’s fortunes, fulfilling the imagery of the "Second Exodus" in Isaiah (see "The Promise of a Second Exodus" Theme Note).
carrying sheaves of grain: This harvest represents God's complete restoration.