עמוס, פרק ב׳, פסוק י״ד

In a moment of total defeat and chaos, human advantages of speed, physical strength, and bravery become completely useless. The fastest runners will find no escape, as the enemy will surround them on all sides [מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. A unique perspective ties this failure to flee to the biblical laws of warfare. Before a battle, officers would grant permission for the fearful to return home so they would not discourage the rest of the nation. Yet, on this day of ultimate confusion, even those who were legally permitted to leave will perish [אהבת יהונתן].

Physical power will also fail, as the strong will be unable to maintain their endurance over time [מצודת ציון, מלבי״ם]. Some explain this simply as a matter of being overpowered by a much stronger enemy [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Others point to a deep psychological collapse. Panic and terror will paralyze those with natural physical strength, stripping them of their mental focus and rendering them unable to use their weapons [רד״ק, מלבי״ם, אבן עזרא]. A person who was once considered so powerful that others sought shelter in his home will suddenly lose the courage to even defend himself [צאינה וראינה]. Moreover, even the strong individuals who bravely chose to stay in the military camp rather than flee will find themselves unable to withstand the enemy attack [אהבת יהונתן].

Ultimately, the greatest warriors will face total failure. A military hero will not only fail to secure a victory, but his exceptional bravery will not even be enough to save his own life from death [מלבי״ם, ביאור שטיינזלץ, צאינה וראינה].