יחזקאל, פרק כ״ג, פסוק כ״ג

A massive military coalition, led by the Babylonian Empire, gathers for war by uniting subjugated nations and former allies into a single, overwhelming force. This advancing army consists of Babylonians and Chaldeans arriving from Babylon and its neighboring regions [רד״ק].

Accompanying this core force are additional elements whose exact nature is viewed in two distinct ways. The primary approach among commentators is that they represent vassal cities, states, or nations living under Babylonian rule [רש״י, מצודת ציון, מלבי״ם, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Alternatively, these descriptions are understood not as geographic locations, but as titles of honor for Babylonian military commanders and rulers. In this view, they denote the high-ranking officials, nobles, and great ministers leading the charge [רש״י, רד״ק].

The Assyrians also march alongside the Babylonian forces [רד״ק, מצודת דוד, מצודת ציון, מלבי״ם]. Their presence is particularly significant because they were once close allies in the past. Now, they awaken to remember that ancient connection, only to return and join the military campaign against their former partners [מלבי״ם].

This combined army forms an impressive and highly threatening force. It is led by a diverse array of commanding officers, governors, and men of authority [מצודת ציון]. Every leader in this coalition is a distinguished minister or a great, respected figure. They are the elite of society, the kind of prominent men who are exclusively invited to councils of high importance [רד״ק, מצודת ציון, ביאור שטיינזלץ].