יחזקאל, פרק כ״ו, פסוק י״ח

The absolute collapse of a mighty city sends shockwaves of terror across the surrounding world. Its destruction is so dramatic that the earth itself seems to crumble alongside it, with panic gripping the inhabitants of all nearby regions. This terror spreads systematically, first striking the open suburbs and surrounding villages, and then reaching out to the distant islands in the middle of the sea [רד״ק]. Naturally, this deep fear falls directly upon the people living in these coastal and island communities [מצודת דוד].

The panic reaches its peak during the final stage of the city's ruin. While the neighboring nations previously trembled merely from the echoing sound of the initial collapse, they are now consumed by dread because they are witnessing the absolute and final defeat itself [מלבי״ם].

The nature of the city's ultimate end is understood in several ways. It can be seen as the tragic moment the residents are forced out into exile [רש״י, רד״ק]. Alternatively, this end represents a complete fall and total disappearance from the world [מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. A more vivid perspective suggests a physical loss of the city's very status as an island. In this view, the ocean waters will completely cover the city, causing it to cease existing as a landmass and instead be entirely swallowed by the sea [מלבי״ם].