ישעיהו, פרק ה׳, פסוק ט׳

A greedy society driven by the pursuit of wealth and status often tramples the vulnerable to seize their land. Ultimately, this ruthless expansion leads to an ironic punishment: the very estates they ruthlessly accumulated will be left in utter ruin.

The nature of how this divine decree is proclaimed is understood in several ways. One perspective suggests that the prophet is speaking, testifying that his own ears personally heard God issue this harsh judgment [רש״י, מצודת דוד, שטיינזלץ]. According to this view, the message was delivered directly, as if God spoke right into the prophet's ear [אבן עזרא, מצודת דוד]. Conversely, another approach understands that God Himself is the speaker. In this light, God testifies that the desperate cries of the oppressed and the corrupt schemes of the wealthy have directly reached His own ears [רד״ק, שד״ל, אבן עזרא]. A third interpretation views the opening declaration not as an act of hearing at all, but rather as a solemn oath where God swears by His great name [מלבי״ם, אברבנאל]. Regardless of the exact framing, there is a general consensus that the declaration operates as a severe, unbreakable oath. This guarantees that the impending judgment is absolute and will certainly come to pass.

The punishment itself directly targets the physical symbols of their greed. The wealthy elite, who violently took homes from the poor, believed they could dwell alone and securely in the land. Instead, God decrees that they will be forced into exile [רד״ק]. The grand homes they built will fall into complete desolation and ruin [שטיינזלץ]. These are not just numerous buildings, but specifically the most important and beautifully constructed mansions [רד״ק]. This highlights the deep futility of their corruption. There is absolutely no purpose in robbing the weak to expand one's property [מלבי״ם, מצודת דוד]. The estates will not be abandoned because they are small or of poor quality; rather, the absolute largest and finest homes will be left completely empty, devoid of any human presence [מלבי״ם, שטיינזלץ].