יחזקאל, פרק ל״ד, פסוק כ״א

Through vivid imagery drawn from the world of shepherds and their flocks, a harsh reality of social and political oppression comes to light. The powerful exploit their strength to crush the vulnerable. The primary approach among commentators understands this as a picture of how the fat, strong sheep within a flock act with cruelty toward those who cannot defend themselves.

The abuse unfolds in distinct stages. First, the strong animals use their broad shoulders and the sides of their bodies to shove and strike the others with great force [מצודת ציון]. From there, the violence worsens. The strong sheep begin to gore with their horns, specifically targeting the weakest animals [ביאור שטיינזלץ]—those that are already in pain or suffering from an illness in one of their limbs [מצודת ציון, אברבנאל]. This relentless torment continues until the frail animals can no longer endure it. They are forced to flee and are violently pushed out of the flock entirely [מלבי״ם, מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

Behind this pastoral scene lies a sharp critique of the nation's leadership, which operates with brute force and wickedness [רד״ק]. Commentators explain the deeper meaning of this metaphor through two complementary layers. On a social level, it serves as a parable for tyrants and forceful individuals who oppress the poor, seizing their land and looting their property [מלבי״ם]. On a national and historical level, these powerful animals represent the kings and leaders. Through their destructive actions, they drove the people away, ultimately causing the destruction of Israel and scattering the nation into exile [אברבנאל].