ייִדישער מחשבֿה אויף יחזקאל 24:1

Although we have stipulated that both Heaven and earth are essential in the scheme of creation, this does not mean that they are of equal value and importance. Just as a scaffold is essential in the construction of a house, but cannot be considered as of equal value and importance to the house, so the physical universe only facilitates man's ascent to the spiritual universe. Likewise, the task of the Jewish nation is to engage only in those activities of a mundane nature that further achievement of its ultimate destiny. Making worldly matter primary, and spiritual matters secondary, or making worldly matters into an end to themselves, will not lead to the achievement of Israel's purpose in taking possession of the holy land. Apportioning Eretz Yisrael by lottery assures a fair distribution of worldly goods. When one prepares food, the ingredients as well as the correct amount of each ingredient is essential to the production of a pleasing dish. Israel's society failed to preserve this social justice, therefore even the efforts of spiritually minded people could not but result in an abhorrent dish. This, more or less is the meaning of the hyperbole employed by Ezekiel 24, 1-15.

Instances of the first form are the following:—“And the angel of the Lord said unto me in a dream, Jacob” (Gen. 31:11); “And an angel said unto Israel in a vision of night” (ibid. 46:2); “And an angel came to Balaam by night”; “And an angel said unto Balaam” (Num. 22:20-72). Instances of the second form are these: “And Elohim (an angel), said unto Jacob, Rise, go up to Bethel” (Gen. 35:1); “And Elohim said unto him, Thy name is Jacob,” etc. (ibid. 35:10); “And an angel of the Lord called unto Abraham out of heaven the second time” (ibid. 22:15); “And Elohim said unto Noah” (ibid. 6:13). The following is an instance of the third form: “The word of the Lord came unto Abraham in a vision” (ibid. 15:1). Instances of the fourth form are: “And the Lord said unto Abraham” (ibid. 18:13); “And the Lord said unto Jacob, Return,” etc. (ibid. 31:3); “And the Lord said unto Joshua” (Josh. 5:9); “And the Lord said unto Gideon” (Judges 7:2). Most of the prophets speak in a similar manner: “And the Lord said unto me” (Deut. 2:2); “And the word of the Lord came unto me” (Ezek. 30:1); “And the word of the Lord came” (2 Sam. 24:11); “And behold, the word of the Lord came unto him” (1 Kings 19:9); “And the word of the Lord came expressly” (Ezek. 1:3); “The beginning of the word of the Lord by Hosea” (Hos. 1:2); “The hand of the Lord was upon me” (Ezek. 37:1). There are a great many instances of this class.