יחזקאל, פרק כ׳, פסוק י׳

The transition from the heavy burdens of Egyptian slavery to the wide, open spaces of the wilderness marks a profound turning point in the history of the Israelites. It was not merely a physical relocation, but a deeply spiritual shift that set the stage for their future as a nation.

The underlying spiritual state of the people that triggered this monumental event is viewed from two distinct perspectives. One approach emphasizes the pure, unearned kindness of God. In this view, God led the Israelites out of Egypt despite the fact that they were completely unworthy of such a rescue [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Their freedom was a gift of divine grace rather than a reward for their own merits.

On the other hand, a contrasting perspective suggests that the redemption was the result of a profound internal change within the people themselves. According to this understanding, God guided the Israelites into the wilderness because they had already undergone a process of sincere repentance while they were still living under Egyptian oppression [אברבנאל]. Their physical release was a direct response to their own spiritual awakening.