Ezekiel 19:13Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

It has now been established in an arid and barren place. After the city and the holy temple had been devastated, when many leaders were either killed or taken into captivity, Nebuzardan appointed Gedaliah as ruler over the impoverished people of Judea; thus, the city lay completely in ruins, or more accurately, all of Judea was in devastation. The walls were torn down, the homes were set ablaze, and most of the inhabitants were either killed or taken away. This is why the Prophet states, "And now plant it in the wilderness," yet even in this condition, the Prophet adds, it will not last long, and the remaining few shall also face destruction. For it is declared: