יחזקאל, פרק מ״ו, פסוק י״ח

Absolute protection of private property against government power establishes clear boundaries on a leader's economic authority. A leader is strictly warned against taking the people's land to pass on to his own heirs. The primary approach among commentators views this as a safeguard against oppression, robbery, and the forceful dispossession of citizens. To ensure the leader does not seek out additional land to leave for his children, he is required to use only the specific portion of land that was pre-allocated to him. He may only pass down property to his offspring from this designated estate [מצודת דוד ומלבי״ם].

This arrangement is designed to correct the corruptions of the past, where kings would seize the fields of the people. In those times, citizens were often forced to flee their homes out of fear of the ruling power. By guaranteeing an independent estate for the leader, the cycle of theft is broken. This ensures that the nation remains secure on its land and is never scattered, separated, or unjustly removed from its homes [מלבי״ם, מצודת ציון ושטיינזלץ].

While this understanding focuses on preventing forceful exploitation, an alternative perspective views the prohibition from a completely different angle, dealing instead with situations of genuine goodwill. In the future, the people may reach a state of intense spiritual awakening. Out of deep love for the Torah and spiritual devotion, they might open their hearts and willingly offer to donate all their property to the leader. Yet, even in cases of complete, voluntary charity, the leader remains strictly forbidden from accepting the people's land [אהבת יהונתן].