יחזקאל, פרק כ״ה, פסוק ה׳

A thriving, settled kingdom is destined to become an empty pastureland. The prophecy of destruction against Ammon paints a picture of total reversal, where bustling civilization is replaced by wandering herds. This devastation will be carried out by eastern nations, such as Arab tribes or the empires of Persia and Media, who will sweep in to inherit and settle the territory [רד״ק, אברבנאל, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. This specific wave of ruin points to the later conquest by Persia and Media, an event distinct from the earlier destruction brought about by Nebuchadnezzar [אברבנאל].

The judgment addresses the kingdom in two distinct parts: the grand capital city and the surrounding provincial towns. Because the invading nations are nomadic herders, the physical landscape will be altered to suit their way of life. The majestic capital will be reduced to a mere dwelling and resting place for camels. At the same time, the rest of the nation's cities will be entirely emptied of their human inhabitants, transformed into quiet resting spots for flocks of sheep [מלבי״ם, מצודת ציון]. Even long after these conquering empires eventually move on from the region, the land will never recover its former glory. It will remain a permanent wasteland, fit only for grazing animals [רד״ק, אברבנאל].

The ultimate goal of this severe transformation is a profound realization. Through their own ruin, the Ammonites will be forced to recognize that God actively oversees the entire world, paying exact retribution to every nation according to its actions [מצודת דוד, אברבנאל]. They will finally understand that the fall of the Land of Israel was a divine response to the sins of the Israelites. In turn, they will realize that their own current devastation is the direct consequence of the cruel joy they felt when witnessing Israel's collapse [רד״ק, אברבנאל].