יחזקאל, פרק ל׳, פסוק כ״ב

A declaration of war from God against the king of Egypt is pictured through the vivid imagery of a crushing physical defeat in battle. God positions Himself to personally fight against Pharaoh and dismantle his power [מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. The conflict centers on the breaking of the ruler's arms, noting that one is already broken while the other remains strong. Commentators agree that this reflects the historical stages of Egypt's downfall to the king of Babylon. The broken arm represents the military strength and territories that Egypt previously lost during earlier battles along the Euphrates River. In contrast, the strong arm symbolizes the actual land of Egypt, which remains unconquered and where Pharaoh still rules with authority and might [רד״ק, מלבי״ם].

To complete this defeat, God strikes a final blow. The primary approach among commentators is that God will shatter the remaining strong arm, leaving the ruler entirely broken and transferring the whole kingdom to Babylonian control [רש״י, רד״ק]. At the same time, the arm that was previously injured will suffer a final, unhealable break. The king of Babylon will permanently secure his hold over the territories he already took, ensuring that Egypt will never be able to restore its former glory [מצודת דוד, מלבי״ם].

The unavoidable result of having both arms shattered is that the ruler drops his sword. A warrior with two broken arms is physically incapable of holding a weapon in either hand. Consequently, Pharaoh's military power will be completely destroyed, leaving him unable to ever stand in battle again [מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ].