שמות, פרק ט״ו, פסוק ז׳

God confronts His adversaries not with physical weapons or exertion, but through the sheer revelation of His power and strict justice. This display instantly subdues human arrogance. God's immense power and elevation stand in sharp contrast to the false pride of those who rise up against Him [אבן עזרא, שד״ל, רש ר הירש]. While God could have destroyed the Egyptians effortlessly and quietly, He deliberately chose to act through a massive revelation of His Divine Presence, executing open judgments through resounding miracles [אור החיים]. The primary approach among commentators is that these adversaries are the enemies of the Israelites. Anyone who attacks the people of Israel or attempts to stop them from observing the Commandments is considered to be attacking God Himself [רש״י, רבנו בחיי, הדר זקנים].

The defeat of these enemies unfolded in distinct stages, beginning with a forceful humiliation and shattering of their power [רשב״ם, שד״ל]. A military force prepared for war is often compared to a stable, unified building. In a sudden strike, God completely dismantled and shattered the Egyptian military structure [מלבי״ם, רש ר הירש, העמק דבר]. This dismantling was a punishment of measure for measure. Because the Egyptians forced the Israelites into crushing labor to construct buildings, God deliberately tore down the Egyptian armies and their fortresses [רבנו בחיי, שפתי כהן].

After the army was scattered and broken while still alive, the next stage brought final destruction [העמק דבר]. This was accomplished through divine wrath, a concept closely related to heat and burning [שד״ל]. Unlike human anger, which is harmless without a physical action to back it up, God's anger is the weapon itself [פרדס יוסף, אבן עזרא]. God typically restrains His anger, but when He releases it, it acts as a destructive force [רש ר הירש, קאסוטו]. This burning wrath ensured their total annihilation, leaving no survivors.

The entire massive Egyptian crowd was wiped out together in a single, rapid moment, as if they were one unified body [הכתב והקבלה]. Their destruction is compared to burning stubble, a metaphor rich with meaning. First, it serves as another measure for measure punishment, paying them back for enslaving the Israelites and forcing them to gather stubble for straw [שפתי כהן]. Second, just as stubble burns incredibly fast, God's wrath consumed them immediately, resulting in a quick death without prolonged suffering [העמק דבר, שד״ל]. In this rapid end, a certain degree of mercy can be found. Despite their deep wickedness, the Egyptians ultimately served as a refining furnace, purifying the Israelites and preparing them to receive the Torah [שפתי כהן].