עמוס, פרק ב׳, פסוק ט״ו

On the day of ultimate defeat, an army's entire structure collapses, rendering every tactical advantage useless. The military forces are divided into three distinct categories [אברבנאל], illustrating how natural strengths and professional skills completely fail in the face of disaster.

The heavy-weapon fighters, the archers who typically stand at a safe distance in the battle formation [ביאור שטיינזלץ], are the first to break. Rather than holding their ground, they are overcome by fear, their hands weakened as they turn to flee [מצודת דוד]. They lose the physical strength needed to draw their bows [רד"ק], or the relentless enemy pursuit simply leaves them no time to even attempt a shot [אהבת יהונתן].

The second group consists of the light infantry. Unburdened by heavy equipment, these foot soldiers are normally the fastest and most prepared to escape [אברבנאל]. Yet, their natural speed offers no protection. The primary approach among commentators is that even the swiftest runner will fail to save his own life [רש"י, רד"ק]. Alternatively, there is a tactical connection between the falling ranks. Ordinarily, archers hold the line to delay the enemy, buying precious time for the infantry to retreat. Because the archers immediately flee instead of holding their ground, they fail to provide the cover needed to save the swift-footed soldiers [מלבי"ם]. Another perspective suggests that the swift runner is not a foot soldier at all, but rather the horse itself [אבן עזרא].

Finally, the collapse reaches the cavalry. Even with the speed of a horse making escape seemingly effortless, the riders will inevitably be captured by the enemy [אברבנאל, מלבי"ם, מצודת דוד]. The downfall of the fastest and most elite riders serves to highlight a deeper spiritual reality. Relying on military might for salvation is an illusion, as no physical advantage can protect a person when God does not wish to save him [רד"ק].