יחזקאל, פרק ל׳, פסוק ט״ז

A devastating fire from God strikes Egypt, bringing about the total collapse of its most heavily fortified strongholds. The impending doom is marked by vivid scenes of fear, destruction, and utter helplessness across the nation. The city of Sin is destined to tremble, gripped by immense terror [מצודת דוד, מצודת ציון, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. The panic overtaking the city is compared to a trembling woman suffering through the intense pains of childbirth [רד״ק]. This imagery serves as a metaphor for the breaking of the city's siege, likening the enemy tearing through the defenses to the natural opening of the womb when a child is born [מלבי״ם].

At the same time, the city of No faces complete exposure, as its walls are destined to be entirely breached and broken open. Even though it is a powerful stronghold naturally surrounded and protected by the sea, its massive walls will easily give way and split apart [מצודת דוד, מלבי״ם, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

The fate of the city of Noph brings further devastation, with different perspectives on how its downfall unfolds. One approach suggests that the enemy forces will march in and conquer the city openly in broad daylight. They will attack without any fear, feeling no need to hide or strike under the cover of night like thieves [מצודת דוד, רד״ק, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Another perspective indicates a relentless assault, where the enemies will besiege and attack the city continuously, day after day [רש״י, רד״ק, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. A third viewpoint focuses on the psychological toll on the residents. The people of Noph will grow to despise the daylight hours, as the bright sun leaves them completely exposed. Instead, they will long for the night, hoping the dark will finally offer them a place to hide from their attackers [מלבי״ם, ביאור שטיינזלץ].