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The History of Bentching (Grace After Meals)

When in Israel, the idea of bentching was basically just to thank G-d for the land (second blessing). When in the desert, and in exile, the idea is just to thank G-d for providing for all (first blessing). Now that we do not live in Israel, we need to pray to  G-d for our return (third beracha). But then you say, well, why should I be thankful? Maybe it wasn’t such a great meal. The fourth blessing responds to this question. It was instituted at the low point of Jewish history when Betar, the site of our last rebellion against Rome, was destroyed. We thank G-d that their bodies were buried and did not putrefy. If we can be thankful under those circumstances, we can always be thankful.