A promise of psychological warfare and supernatural assistance stands at the heart of the impending conquest of the Promised Land. Instead of relying on conventional military tactics, the Israelites are assured of a victory driven by heavenly intervention. God commits to sending a paralyzing fear ahead of the camp, acting as an invisible vanguard [קאסוטו]. This dread represents divine justice and fulfills earlier prophecies that terror would fall upon the nations [רבנו בחיי, חזקוני]. It is an awe that spreads from a great distance [מלבי״ם], and it is not merely an emotional reaction. It penetrates the soul, causing actual physical weakness and a complete loss of bodily control due to the sheer magnitude of the fright [אבן עזרא, תורה תמימה].
The primary approach among commentators is that the ensuing chaos involves intense panic, confusion, and disruption, rather than mass death. There is a deliberate rejection of interpretations suggesting direct killing, focusing instead on the sheer mayhem created within the enemy ranks [רש״י], which also reflects a poetic connection between the concepts of fear and panic [קאסוטו]. This terror will primarily strike the fighting soldiers [העמק דבר], as well as neighboring nations beyond the seven Canaanite groups [חזקוני]. Such intervention highlights the immense power of God, who acts directly rather than through an angel, demonstrating His absolute control [אלשיך]. It serves as a guarantee to Joshua for his future battles [שפתי כהן], with the power of prayer acting as a central tool to activate this divine help [צרור המור].
Despite this overwhelming support, the conquest is not meant to happen overnight. God plans to subdue the enemies gradually, pacing the victory with the natural population growth of the Israelites. This ensures the land does not become desolate and overrun by wild animals [אור החיים, רלב״ג, אלשיך]. Ideally, if the Israelites were to achieve perfect spiritual obedience to His laws, they would never need to lift a sword. The inhabitants of the land would simply retreat and vanish on their own due to the divine decree [רש״ר הירש].
The final result of this terror is a complete retreat. Most commentators agree that the enemies will turn their backs and flee in panic, allowing the Israelites to pursue and overtake them [אבן עזרא, רש״י, ספורנו, קאסוטו]. Alternatively, a unique approach views this retreat metaphorically, seeing the adversaries as engaging in a war of words and arguments. Their turning away signifies that the Israelites will achieve victory through superior, logical claims, leaving their opponents speechless and completely without an answer [העמק דבר].