יחזקאל, פרק ל״ג, פסוק ד׳

Human responsibility is put to the ultimate test in moments of danger when a warning call echoes through the air. Ignoring a clear alarm leads to devastating consequences, and the blame falls entirely on the shoulders of the one who closes his ears and refuses to act. Commentators agree that this scenario involves a person who hears the blast of the horn but fails to accept the warning, making no effort to escape the approaching enemy. As a result, the sword overtakes and kills him. Regarding where the ultimate fault lies, the primary approach among commentators is that the individual is completely to blame for his own death because he was negligent in protecting his life. The watchman who sounded the alarm faithfully fulfilled his duty and cannot be held responsible.

The blast of the horn served a practical, tactical purpose. [מלבי״ם] explains that the alarm consisted of agreed-upon signals directing the people on which way to flee and how to survive. The warning applies to everyone, regardless of their expertise. A person who understands the specific signals is at fault for ignoring them, but someone who does not know their meaning is equally responsible, as the mere sound of a blaring alarm should prompt anyone to run for their life. Beyond the physical danger, [מלבי״ם] presents a moral and spiritual dimension. Sounding a horn during a time of crisis is intended to awaken the people to repent and abandon their sins. Ignoring the alarm signifies a refusal to repent and correct the inner flaws of the soul.

Because of this stubborn refusal, the individual holds absolute guilt for his own fate. [מלבי״ם] highlights a subtle detail in how this guilt is described, noting that the text refers to the person's blood in the singular form. In most contexts involving the death penalty, the plural form is used. This deliberate use of the singular indicates a deep, lingering guilt that has no atonement. Since the person failed to repent and secure his own safety, the blame for his death remains permanently embedded within him and will never be washed away.