דברים, פרק כ״ח, פסוק מ״ב

A grim reality unfolds of total agricultural ruin, where the hard-earned fruits of a nation's labor are suddenly seized by a powerful outside force. The nature of this loss is understood in two main ways. One perspective suggests the tragedy lies in the sudden poverty inflicted upon the people; after working the land and growing their crops, they are left entirely poor and empty-handed [רש״י, רבינו בחיי, ביאור יש״ר, שפתי חכמים, לבוש האורה]. Another approach views the threat as a complete and aggressive takeover, where an invading force violently confiscates, destroys, or drives the people away from their harvest [אבן עזרא, רבינו בחיי, נתינה לגר, ביאור שטיינזלץ, רש ר הירש].

The identity of this destructive force is similarly debated, drawn from a rare description whose meaning is gathered from context [אבן עזרא]. One school of thought identifies the invader as a destructive crop pest, such as a specific breed of locust, caterpillar, or worm that strips the plants of their leaves and ruins the fruit [רש״י, רלב״ג, רבינו בחיי, ביאור יש״ר, ביאור שטיינזלץ, רש ר הירש]. The attacker is characterized by the deafening noise and chaos of its approaching swarm, resembling the clash of loud cymbals [רבינו בחיי, שפתי חכמים, ביאור יש״ר]. Alternatively, it is noted for the heavy, terrifying shadow it casts over the land as millions of insects block out the sun [רש ר הירש].

Conversely, other commentators argue that since locusts were already mentioned in earlier warnings, this threat must represent a human army [רמב״ן, הדר זקנים, העמק דבר, הטור הארוך, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. In this view, the enemy earns its title because of the terrifying sounds of war, the blowing of horns, and the shouting of soldiers [רמב״ן, הטור הארוך], or because their massive numbers cover the land like a dark shadow [העמק דבר, הדר זקנים]. These military forces act as robbers, confiscating property and stealing the crops directly from the inhabitants [רמב״ן, רבינו בחיי, נתינה לגר].

Historically, this severe warning is seen as a direct reference to the destruction of the Second Temple. During this period, the Roman armies commanded by Vespasian and Titus laid siege to the cities of Judea, laid waste to the land, consumed its harvest, and ultimately forced the people into a bitter and enduring exile [רמב״ן].