יחזקאל, פרק ל״ב, פסוק כ״ד

In the depths of the underworld, mighty empires that once terrified the globe gather together, completely defeated and stripped of their pride. The focus shifts to the distant nation of Elam, situated in the region of Persia and Media, whose fierce soldiers were once a source of widespread dread [שטיינזלץ].

The scene of their burial paints a grim picture of mass death. The countless fallen soldiers of Elam will surround the graves of their own officers and heroes [רד״ק]. Another perspective suggests they will be buried alongside the fallen of Egypt, with multitudes of dead cast together into a single mass grave [מצודת דוד].

The catalyst for this total collapse is a massive conflict. Elam will launch a war against Edom and the Christian nations to avenge the destruction of the Second Temple and the historical persecution of Israel. Although Elam will succeed in killing many, other nations will rise up to defend their allies, ultimately slaughtering the forces of Elam by the sword [מלבי״ם, אברבנאל].

These fallen warriors meet a bitter end because of their deep-seated corruption. They are characterized as despised and wicked [שטיינזלץ], men with closed hearts who died in their cruelty without ever repenting before their violent end [מצודת דוד, רד״ק]. Consequently, they are cast down into the lowest depths of the earth, confined to the grave and the dark underworld [שטיינזלץ, אברבנאל].

Their severe punishment is a direct result of the terror and destruction they inflicted upon the world, particularly their cruelty toward Israel. This hostility took several forms. Elam actively assisted Nebuchadnezzar during the brutal siege of Jerusalem [מצודת דוד]. Furthermore, they continued their oppression in later eras by obstructing the construction of the Second Temple and issuing harsh decrees against the Israelites, echoing the wicked plots of Haman [אברבנאל].

Because of these sins, the fallen soldiers of Elam are forced to carry a heavy, agonizing burden of shame [מצודת ציון]. This deep humiliation stems from the sharp contrast between their former power and their current state. Once standing at the absolute height of glory, they suffer a crushing defeat by their enemies, descending into nothingness alongside all the others who are doomed to the pit [רד״ק, שטיינזלץ].