יחזקאל, פרק ל׳, פסוק כ״ד

The shifting balance of global power rests entirely in the hands of God, who elevates one empire while bringing another to ruin. During the first of two anticipated wars on Egyptian soil, God actively intervenes to favor the king of Babylon. He systematically breaks the power of the Egyptian king while infusing the Babylonian ruler with immense strength, bravery, and courage [רש״י, מלבי״ם]. By arming the Babylonian king, God grants him the practical ability to completely devastate and ruin Egypt [מצודת דוד].

As Babylon grows stronger, the king of Egypt faces a crushing defeat that plunges him into deep despair. His ruin is marked by a profound, broken groan [מצודת ציון]. Standing before the victorious king of Babylon, Pharaoh cries out like a man on the brink of execution [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. His cry resembles the horrifying death rattle of the dying, echoing the final breath escaping their throats in their last moments [רד״ק, מצודת דוד]. Another perspective suggests that this intense groaning is a reaction of deep grief, as Pharaoh witnesses the massive slaughter of his own people falling in battle [מלבי״ם].