יחזקאל, פרק ו׳, פסוק י״ב

The divine judgment falling upon the nation is absolute, leaving no possible avenue for escape. The severity of this punishment lies in its inescapable reach; no matter where a person chooses to stay or hide, a specific fate awaits them.

People attempting to distance themselves from the immediate danger will not find safety. Some commentators explain that these are individuals who flee the war entirely, seeking refuge in foreign lands [רד״ק, מצודת דוד]. Another perspective suggests they are people hiding out in the desert, far away from the battlefields and city centers [מלבי״ם, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Despite their efforts to stay far from the enemy, they will find no shelter and will ultimately die from disease.

Conversely, a different fate awaits those who remain close to the conflict. This includes people positioned near the war zone where the enemy forces stand [מלבי״ם, ביאור שטיינזלץ], as well as those who actively go out to fight [מצודת דוד]. It also applies to anyone the enemy manages to catch as they attempt to run away [רד״ק]. For all these individuals, their end will come violently as they fall in battle.

A third group consists of individuals who manage to survive both battle and disease, remaining inside Jerusalem and other cities [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. The primary approach among commentators is that these people are trapped under a military siege. Another view explains their condition as being locked and guarded within the city walls, completely unable to leave [רד״ק]. Because of the prolonged military blockade, the food supply will run out, and these trapped survivors will die of starvation [מצודת דוד].

Through this combination of disease, battle, and starvation, God will fully exhaust His anger against the nation. This complete execution of justice serves a dual purpose. First, it fully releases the divine anger brought on by the people's sins. Second, it forces the nation to clearly recognize God's active hand in their lives, making them understand that this devastating ruin is a direct consequence of their own actions [מלבי״ם].