יחזקאל, פרק י״א, פסוק י״ד

The prophet cries out in deep concern over the fate of the remaining Israelites in Jerusalem. In a direct response to this painful plea, God reveals a surprising truth about where the future of the nation truly lies [ביאור שטיינזלץ].

At the time, the residents who managed to stay in Jerusalem held a very arrogant view. They believed that those who had been forced into exile were completely cut off from God and had lost all hope. In their minds, the land of Israel was an exclusive inheritance belonging only to the people still living in the city.

God steps in to completely overturn this assumption. He reveals that the true surviving remnant of the nation will not emerge from the current inhabitants of Jerusalem, who are actually destined for destruction. Instead, the seeds of hope, continuity, and ultimate redemption are planted among the exiles living in Babylon, specifically those who were taken away with King Jeconiah. These displaced people, whom the prophet views as his own brothers, have used their time away to improve their ways. Because of their spiritual growth, they are the ones who will ultimately be redeemed.

This vision of future salvation extends even further. It includes the other tribes of Israel who were driven into exile much earlier by Sennacherib. God promises that they too will eventually return to their homeland at the end of days [מלבי״ם].