יחזקאל, פרק ל״ד, פסוק י״ט

A harsh social reality unfolds where the powerful exploit the vulnerable. The strong leaders of the nation are not satisfied with simply taking the best resources for themselves. They go a step further, actively trampling and ruining the scarce food and water that remain for the weak and poor.

Using the imagery of a flock of sheep, a picture of severe social injustice emerges. The powerful rulers seize the finest parts of the land. Yet, in their greed, they carelessly crush the remaining food and water sources, destroying the portion that rightfully belongs to the poor [מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. The rest of the people, representing the weak and vulnerable, are left with no choice but to survive on these damaged leftovers. The pasture they rely on has been completely crushed underfoot, and their drinking water has been stepped in and muddied, leaving it dirty and unfit for consumption [רד״ק].

Consequently, the general population is forced to live in severe hardship. They are reduced to sustaining themselves on the meager scraps of food and drink left behind, not just by the rulers themselves, but even by the rulers' servants [רש״י, רד״ק].