יחזקאל, פרק כ״ו, פסוק ח׳

A military campaign often unfolds in calculated stages, steadily tightening its grip from the outside in before the final strike. The attack begins on the outskirts, as invading forces first sweep through the open mainland to destroy the unwalled towns and rural settlements that serve the main fortified city [מלבי״ם, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

Once the surrounding open territories fall, the focus shifts to the fortified city itself. The invaders employ a methodical, three-part siege strategy, beginning with the construction of a primary siege structure. Most commentators understand this as a surrounding barrier built to trap the residents inside and cut off any route of escape [מלבי״ם, ביאור שטיינזלץ], while another view suggests it is a towering siege structure erected directly opposite the city to aid in its capture [מצודת ציון].

With the city contained, the attackers build a massive siege ramp. There is broad agreement that this involves piling up a high mound of earth directly against the city walls. This earthen ramp allows the invading soldiers to scale the defenses, breach the city, and hurl stones down upon the defenders inside.

Finally, as the forces move in for the breach, they face a fierce barrage of arrows, swords, and spears thrown by the city's defenders. To protect the advancing troops, the attackers deploy a heavy defensive line. This involves either positioning ranks of soldiers equipped with standard shields [רש״י, רד״ק], or setting up exceptionally large, stationary shields specifically designed to absorb the heavy fire from the city walls [מלבי״ם, מצודת ציון, ביאור שטיינזלץ].