כי עתה תצרי מיושב ורחקו מבלעיך ... גשה לי ואשבה ... (ישעי' מט-יט,כ)
Yeshaya HaNavi describes the feeling of hopelessness and abandonment felt by Klal Yisroel in the aftermath of the devastating Churban, and how the land was resettled by outsiders leaving no room for the Bnei Yisroel - as it says in the posukim: “Your land laid waste ... crowded with settlers ... too crowded for me ...” (Yeshaya 49:19-20).
However, Chazal repeatedly tell us that even in exile the land of Eretz Yisroel is called “Eretz Tzvi” since just like a deer’s skin is stretched tight to fit over its frame, the land of Israel expands to accommodate those who dwell in it. So, how is it that there is no room left for Klal Yisroel to return?
R’ Shimon Schwab zt”l quotes R’ Shamshon Raphael Hirsch zt”l who explains that the underlying reason for the hurban and the golus that Klal Yisroel was subjected to, was baseless hatred and a lack of care and concern for one Jew to another. This created a rift and distance that was palpable between fellow Jews. He therefore explains that the words of the Navi, "גשה לי ואשבה" seem to imply that when Klal Yisroel will come to Eretz Yisroel, there will be no place left for them to resettle. However, the words "גשה לי" - “draw close to me” can be understood separately from the rest of the posuk - underscoring the importance of Klal Yisroel’s return to Hashem. For if the Jewish people turn back from their sinful ways and “Return to Me [Hashem],” then Hakadosh Baruch Hu will enable their return by telling the Land of Israel to expand and allow them in.