יחזקאל, פרק ט״ז, פסוק א׳

A sweeping prophetic vision unfolds, marking Ezekiel's sixth prophecy. Divided into nine distinct sections, it presents a powerful parable that captures the entire historical relationship between God and the people of Israel, spanning from their vulnerable beginnings to their ultimate downfall and future hope [אברבנאל]. The narrative imagines the nation as a newborn girl abandoned in an open field, unwashed and left without pity or care. This striking image represents the deep vulnerability and lowly state of the Israelites during their exile in Egypt, following the passing of Joseph and his brothers.

Passing by the abandoned child, God took pity on her. He washed her, raised her, and when she came of age, He took her as His wife, adorning her with royal garments and fine jewelry. This transformation symbolizes the redemption from Egypt, the giving of the Torah and its commandments, and the triumphant entry into the Promised Land [אברבנאל]. Yet, trusting in her own beauty, the bride betrayed her Husband by chasing after other gods, even sacrificing her own children to them. The sins of Jerusalem are portrayed as far more severe than those of her sister cities, Sodom and Samaria.

As a consequence of this deep ingratitude, the nation faces severe punishment. Following the wickedness of King Zedekiah, Jerusalem is condemned to destruction at the hands of Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon. However, the divine message refuses to end in total despair. Woven into the judgment is a lasting promise that a king from the line of David will one day return to sit upon the royal throne in Jerusalem [אברבנאל].