יחזקאל, פרק ל״ב, פסוק כ״ו

In the prophetic vision of great empires descending into the underworld, the focus shifts to the downfall of Meshech and Tubal. These nations join the ranks of other collapsed powers, meeting their end in the realm of the dead after a devastating defeat on the battlefield. The primary approach among commentators identifies these groups as the armies of Gog and Magog, destined to participate in a massive future war [מלבי״ם ואברבנאל]. Additionally, they are linked to the descendants of Japheth who settled in Europe and the West, a lineage that includes the Roman Empire [אברבנאל].

The sheer scale of their defeat is illustrated by a massive burial. The vast multitudes of their armies will die in combat and be laid to rest together in enormous mass graves, situated right alongside the graves of fallen Egypt [מצודת דוד]. Their end is marked by deep disgrace. They fall as uncircumcised men, a state reflecting their inherent wickedness and shameful demise, with their bodies pierced and slain by the blade of a sword [רש״י, רד״ק, מצודת ציון ושטיינזלץ].

Ultimately, this severe punishment is a direct result of the terror and destruction they inflicted upon the Israelites. This campaign of fear was historically demonstrated through their active role in the ruin of the Temple. They are held strictly accountable for this devastation, whether they assisted Assyria and Nebuchadnezzar in destroying the First Temple, or acted as the Roman forces that laid waste to the Second Temple [מצודת דוד ואברבנאל].