Rashi explains the concept of .g, wood, as a metaphor for an adam kasher, an honorable, virtuous man, whose merit will protect the pagans. This explanation however, does not seem to fit into the sequence of the pasuk. What is the meaning of “and bring of the fruit of the land”? What relationship is there between the “fruit of the land,” “its trees, and an “adam kasher“?
The Satmar Rebbe z.l. suggests the following explanation. It is difficult to ascertain the authenticity of an individual’s virtue. It is possible to “put on a show” superficially, displaying oneself as honorable and virtuous, while simultaneously inwardly reflecting an evil demeanor! What is the litmus test for defining the “real” adam kasher? Moshe Rabbeinu gave the meraglim the key for determining the true essence of man. Look at their “fruits,” their children and students. One whose devotion to Hashem is not merely external will produce children and students who reflect this personal trait. When children follow in the derech Hashem, path of Hashem, they are attesting to their father/mentor’s dedication to Torah observance, for children mirror their parent’s essence.
