יחזקאל, פרק ג׳, פסוק כ״ב

Divine revelation sometimes requires a prophet to step away from human society and enter a quiet, isolated space. This separation is not merely a change of scenery, but a vital spiritual preparation needed to absorb difficult messages about the fate of the nation and the withdrawal of divine protection.

While the prophet is located in the Babylonian city of Tel Aviv [רד״ק, ביאור שטיינזלץ], he is gripped by the spirit of prophecy, an encounter characterized by an immense, overpowering strength [מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. God commands him to leave the populated settlement and travel out to the flat plains of Babylon [ביאור שטיינזלץ].

Commentators offer several reasons for this journey into the valley. The physical distance allows the prophet to isolate himself and properly prepare for the divine encounter [מלבי״ם]. Furthermore, the open valley offers a purer environment than the crowded city [רד״ק]. There is also a tragic reason tied to the spiritual condition of the people: the Israelites living around the prophet were simply not worthy of having God's spirit rest upon him while he remained in their midst [מלבי״ם].

This specific valley also carries deep historical and spiritual weight. It is the valley of Babylon, the very site of the Tower of Babel. In the exact location where God once confused the languages of the earth and dismantled human ambitions, He now chooses to reveal His active guidance over creation [רד״ק, אברבנאל].

God promises to speak with the prophet in this valley, preparing him to witness the glory of the Divine Presence once again. This renewed vision is meant to teach the prophet the deep secrets of how God leads and watches over the world [רד״ק]. Because the messages to follow will focus on the impending destruction of Jerusalem, God uses this isolated setting to show the prophet the tragic journey of the Divine Presence as it departs from the people [אברבנאל].