יחזקאל, פרק כ״ט, פסוק ח׳

The prophecy shifts from a metaphor into the physical reality of punishment and destruction. Driven by immense pride, Pharaoh claimed divine powers, declared ownership of the Nile, and boasted that he did not need God's grace or the rain from heaven. As a direct result of this arrogance, total ruin is decreed upon Egypt [מלבי״ם, צאינה וראינה]. The sword brought against them is the army of the Chaldeans, led by Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon [מלבי״ם, אברבנאל]. This foreign destroyer is brought into the land to shatter the illusion that Pharaoh is an all-powerful god, firmly proving God's absolute rule over the world.

In detailing the destruction, humans are targeted before animals. Generally, during times of trouble, God acts with mercy by striking property and livestock first, giving people a chance to wake up and repent. However, the primary approach among commentators is that the situation here is different for several interconnected reasons. First, the decree is driven by the attribute of strict justice, a state where human lives are struck first [נחל שורק, חומת אנך]. Second, the goal of this strike is not to encourage repentance. Instead, it serves as a final, absolute punishment for the wicked who have no chance of atonement, meaning the judgment falls directly on the people [אהבת יהונתן]. Furthermore, the merciful approach of striking property first is a standard reserved for the people of Israel, whereas other nations face an immediate strike on human life [נחל שורק, חומת אנך].

Alongside these explanations, the specific inclusion of the animals highlights the sheer cruelty of the Chaldean army. In their campaign of total ruin, they will show no mercy, slaughtering even the livestock [אברבנאל].