יחזקאל, פרק ט״ז, פסוק מ״ב

The aftermath of severe divine punishment is not merely a landscape of destruction, but rather the beginning of a profound spiritual reset. Once the consequences for past wrongs are fully exhausted, a new reality emerges, marked by the subsiding of God's wrath and the restoration of lasting calm.

This process begins with the complete execution of judgment, such as the devastation of the land and the ensuing exile. By allowing these severe consequences to run their full course, the demand for justice over past actions is satisfied [רד״ק, מלבי״ם, מצודת דוד]. This brings about a deep sense of rest, putting a definitive end to the active, punishing phase of God's anger [מצודת ציון].

With the punishment complete, the intense divine jealousy and anger depart entirely [מצודת ציון]. This happens because the harsh reality of the judgment achieves a root-level correction within the people. It forces an absolute end to idol worship and extinguishes their desire to chase after false gods [רד״ק, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Going even further, the very internal urge to engage in idolatry is entirely eradicated [מלבי״ם].

This complete removal of sin paves the way for a final, enduring tranquility [מצודת ציון]. There is a careful distinction between the different expressions of divine emotion throughout this process. While wrath represents an active, outward force directed at punishing others, anger refers to the internal stirring and emotional storm within. Once His outward wrath has been satisfied through the execution of justice, and the root cause of the sin has been permanently removed, God reaches a state of total calm. Because the people will never return to their sinful ways, there will be no further cause for even the slightest internal anger to awaken within Him [מלבי״ם].