יחזקאל, פרק כ״ד, פסוק כ״ב

The prophet acts as a living symbol for the people, modeling a shocking response to an approaching national tragedy. Instead of grieving normally, the people are instructed to copy his highly unusual behavior and abandon all traditional mourning practices. They are told not to cover their faces, which was the standard practice for those in deep grief. Furthermore, they must refuse the traditional meals of comfort that community members typically prepare and bring to the bereaved [ביאור שטיינזלץ].

Commentators explore two primary reasons why the people will abandon these standard displays of grief during the impending destruction. One perspective focuses on the sheer magnitude of the tragedy. Traditional mourning relies on a community of comforters coming to support the grieving family. However, when a disaster is so widespread that it strikes everyone equally, much like a severe plague, the entire nation is plunged into sorrow. With no one left untouched by the tragedy, there is simply no one available to offer comfort, rendering the outward customs of mourning obsolete [רש״י, מצודת דוד, מלבי״ם].

Another perspective attributes the lack of mourning to overwhelming fear and terror. Following the destruction, the survivors will find themselves living in a deeply hostile environment. Under the oppressive rule of their conquerors, the Chaldeans, the people will be too terrified to openly weep or eulogize their dead, forcing them to suppress their grief entirely [רש״י, מלבי״ם].