Rabbi Avin said: Just as the lily, when it is subject to heat it withers, and when dew emerges it blossoms, so too, as long as the shadow of Esau is extant, Israel, as it were, appears as though they are withered in this world, but in the future, Esau’s shadow will pass and Israel will become progressively damper. That is what is written: “I will be like dew for Israel [it shall blossom as a lily]” (Hosea 14:6).
Just as the lily continues to exist only due to its fragrance,9It has value as long as it retains its fragrance. so too, Israel continues to exist only on the basis of Torah and mitzvot. Just as the lily is only for fragrance, so too, the righteous were created only for the redemption of Israel. Just as the lily ascends on the table of kings from beginning to end,10Of the meal. so too, Israel, they are in this world and they are in the World to Come.
Just as the lily is conspicuous among the grasses, so too, Israel is conspicuous among the nations, as it is stated: “Everyone who sees them will recognize them, for they are the descendants of the blessed of the Lord” (Isaiah 61:9). Just as the lily is designated for Shabbatot and festivals, so, Israel is designated for the future redemption.