יחזקאל, פרק כ״ב, פסוק ו׳

A society's leadership is meant to serve as its moral compass. The public naturally looks to those in power as role models, seeking guidance on how to conduct themselves justly. However, when the highest levels of authority become centers of corruption and aggression, the people are robbed of the opportunity to learn proper behavior [מלבי״ם].

The national leadership—comprising kings, government ministers, and the nobility—completely abandoned their duty to the public [רד״ק, ביאור שטיינזלץ, צאינה וראינה]. Instead of governing with fairness, they operated entirely through oppressive force, establishing a harsh reality where the strong simply dominated the weak [רש״י, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

An honest leader uses the justice system as their executive arm to maintain order and protect the vulnerable. These leaders, however, discarded all integrity and relied instead on brute strength. They weaponized their positions, using their wealth, high status, and family connections to overpower anyone who stood in their way [מלבי״ם, רד״ק, מצודת דוד]. This unchecked abuse of authority had devastating consequences. By ruling through intimidation and raw power rather than law, the leaders fostered an environment that inevitably descended into severe violence and widespread bloodshed [רד״ק, מצודת דוד].