יחזקאל, פרק ל״ג, פסוק כ״ז

A decisive divine oath seals the fate of the remaining survivors in the land, decreeing their absolute destruction. These individuals mistakenly believe they are better than their fallen brothers and therefore deserve to inherit the land. In reality, their destiny will be exactly the same [שטיינזלץ]. The ultimate purpose of this decree is to ensure that the inhabitants are completely wiped out, leaving the land entirely desolate [מלבי״ם].

God swears that the survivors will meet their end in three distinct ways, depending entirely on where they choose to hide. The primary approach among commentators is that those taking shelter in ruined cities will fall by the sword of the enemy. A differing perspective suggests they are actually hiding in fortified cities, which are simply destined to be reduced to ruins in the end [רש״י].

For those who attempt to flee the enemy by seeking refuge in the open fields, a different fate awaits. Out in the unprotected wilderness, they will be hunted and killed by wild beasts. Finally, some will try to escape by retreating to heavily fortified and isolated locations. These include strong towers, mountain fortresses, or underground caves dug beneath buildings [מצודת ציון]. Yet, even in these secure hiding places, the survivors will not be safe, as they will ultimately be struck down by a deadly plague.