יחזקאל, פרק ל״ב, פסוק כ״ח

The collapse of a great power brings more than just the destruction of its military might; it ensures deep personal humiliation and a completely undignified end. The primary approach among commentators is that this heavy judgment is directed squarely at Pharaoh, the king of Egypt. However, an alternative perspective suggests the warning is meant for the terrifying nations of Meshech and Tubal. According to this view, these nations face a precise, measure-for-measure consequence: just as they shattered Israel, they themselves will be shattered. This connects to a broader vision of the future wars of Gog and Magog, where these forces will battle not only against Israel but also against the descendants of Edom [אברבנאל].

The impending downfall will take place among cruel, hard-hearted, and wicked people [ביאור שטיינזלץ, מצודת דוד]. These individuals are specifically identified as the nations of Meshech and Tubal, who are destined to fall in combat and share a grave alongside Egypt [מלבי״ם]. For Pharaoh, the punishment is exceptionally harsh, doubling the suffering experienced by other defeated nations because his evil deeds far exceeded theirs [מצודת דוד].

The ultimate disgrace is found in the manner of their death. Rather than passing away peacefully and naturally, they will meet a violent end in battle [רש״י]. Stripped of their former glory, these fallen leaders will be denied the respectful burial normally reserved for people of their high status. Instead, they will be discarded on the ground in utter shame, lying alongside the countless other casualties of war [ביאור שטיינזלץ, אברבנאל, מצודת דוד].