יחזקאל, פרק ה׳, פסוק י׳

The absolute lowest point of human tragedy occurs when extreme suffering causes the complete collapse of natural family bonds. Following a period of grave abominations and the defilement of the Temple, an unprecedented punishment is decreed against the people. Trapped inside the besieged city of Jerusalem [מצודת דוד, אברבנאל], they will face a famine so severe that it will drive them to the unthinkable. Parents and children will reach a state of absolute desperation, ultimately consuming the corpses of their own dead relatives [ביאור שטיינזלץ].

Once the horrors of the siege conclude, a new phase of disaster begins, characterized by exceptionally cruel punishments that go far beyond ordinary justice [מלבי״ם]. This stage takes the form of brutal trials conducted by the conquering enemy, such as Nebuchadnezzar. King Zedekiah and others who attempt to flee the fallen city will be captured, judged, and executed by the enemy forces [מלבי״ם].

For those who somehow survive the starvation and the executions, the final consequence is complete displacement. The remaining survivors will be scattered in every direction, dispersed to the four corners of the earth [מצודת ציון, מצודת דוד, אברבנאל]. They will be driven into various surrounding nations, including Egypt, Babylon, Moab, Ammon, and Edom [רד״ק].

This unfolding tragedy serves as the direct fulfillment of a prophetic parable presented earlier, which involved the dividing of hair. The sequence of these punishments aligns perfectly with the division of the people into three distinct groups. The starvation and consumption of human flesh within the city walls represent the first third of the nation, who are destined to perish by fire or plague inside Jerusalem. The cruel executions of those who flee correspond to the second third, who are struck down by the sword around the city. Finally, the wide scattering of the survivors mirrors the last third, who are blown away into exile [מלבי״ם, אברבנאל].