יחזקאל, פרק ל׳, פסוק ג׳

The impending downfall of Egypt is not a mere accident of history, but a moment of direct divine intervention cloaked in heavy darkness. God Himself orchestrates the disaster, revealing His presence as He commands enemy forces to attack [מצודת דוד, רד״ק, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

The repeated emphasis on the nearness of this day highlights its complex nature. Historically, it points to a two-stage process of destruction. The first phase involves the immediate ruin of Egypt, followed later by a second wave of conquest led by Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon [מלבי״ם]. Alternatively, this dual focus carries a deeper spiritual meaning. Through their wicked actions, the people of Egypt transform God's natural attribute of mercy into a force of strict justice and disaster. This double nature also creates a sharp contrast between nations; while Egypt faces a harsh day of judgment, the people of Israel experience a day where God remembers them with compassion and brings them goodness [חומת אנך].

This period is vividly pictured as a time of heavy clouds, representing a day filled with gloom, fog, and deep darkness, as if the skies have completely blackened [מצודת דוד, רד״ק, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. It is also identified as a defining moment for the surrounding nations, which is understood in two distinct ways. On one hand, it is the exact moment when numerous foreign armies will gather to lay waste to Egypt [רד״ק]. On the other hand, it marks the ultimate shattering and downfall of the foreign powers themselves [רש״י, רד״ק, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Specifically, this refers to the collapse of all the foreign alliances that once formed the foundation of Egypt's strength. These allied nations will meet their end by the sword, falling right alongside the empire they supported [מלבי״ם].