ישעיהו, פרק נ״ו, פסוק י״א

The betrayal of leadership is a profound tragedy, especially when those appointed to protect the vulnerable become their greatest threat. The false prophets, judges, and leaders of the nation are portrayed through a harsh metaphor, likened to greedy street dogs. Rather than guarding the flock entrusted to them, these leaders abandon the public good and sink into their own desires. Their fierce spirit does not represent courage in battle, but rather an overpowering, boundless lust for consumption [אבן עזרא, שד״ל, ביאור שטיינזלץ, מצודת ציון]. Driven by this intense appetite, they grab everything they can and never find satisfaction [רד״ק, מצודת דוד]. One unique perspective links this insatiable nature to a profound lack of gratitude. Just as a dog does not appreciate God's kindness in allowing food to digest slowly over three days to sustain it, the judges of Israel fail to value the divine assistance God provides them in their duties [חומת אנך].

These wild dogs are ultimately a symbol for the shepherds of the nation—the ministers, prophets, and community leaders. Instead of tending to their flock, the people of Israel, the leaders feed only themselves, drowning in physical pleasures [רד״ק, מצודת דוד]. A loyal sheepdog barks to warn the flock of an approaching predator, yet these leaders remain completely silent despite having every reason to shout and warn the nation of approaching enemies [אברבנאל, שד״ל]. Their obsession with their own desires strips them of their basic understanding. They can no longer grasp the changing reality around them, fail to foresee the future, and end up deeply misleading the people [רש״י, רד״ק, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

This complete lack of understanding stems directly from their absolute selfishness. Not a single leader looks out for the welfare of the community; instead, each one goes his own separate way to satisfy his personal urges [מלבי״ם, אברבנאל]. Their pursuit of wealth does not stop at mere greed but escalates into the active oppression and robbery of the very citizens they were appointed to guide [רש״י, מצודת ציון, מלבי״ם]. This deep-seated corruption is absolute, infecting the leadership from one end to the other without a single exception [רש״י, מצודת דוד]. Furthermore, this widespread greed highlights a severe alienation, as the leaders care only for their own private estates, looking down from their high status while remaining entirely disconnected from the struggles of the common people [רד״ק, ביאור שטיינזלץ].