יחזקאל, פרק ל״ב, פסוק ט׳

The collapse of a mighty empire sends shockwaves that shake the entire world. The fall of Egypt is not merely a local event, but a global crisis that reaches distant, unfamiliar regions and triggers deep anxiety among many nations.

When God brings about this downfall, the reaction of the world is profound. The primary approach among commentators is that the resulting emotional response is not ordinary anger, but rather intense shock, anxiety, and trembling. As other nations witness Egypt's ruin, they become terrified for their own survival. Yet, this deep fear is also mixed with rage, as it is human nature to become angry and resentful when faced with sudden distress and suffering [מצודת דוד, רד״ק].

The manner in which Egypt's ruin impacts the rest of the world is understood in two distinct ways. One perspective suggests a physical reality, where God scatters the broken survivors and casualties of Egypt's war among the various nations [רש״י, רד״ק]. A second approach explains that the impact spreads through the news of the event. The sheer magnitude of the disaster ensures that reports and rumors of the destruction will reach the ears of distant nations, bringing terror wherever the story is told [מצודת דוד, רד״ק, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

The spread of this devastation follows a specific progression, affecting different groups in turn [מלבי״ם]. The shock first hits established peoples of high status who are ruled by kings. From there, the impact moves to lesser nations that relied on Egyptian protection and ultimately fell alongside the empire. Finally, the panic reaches distant and remote lands, completely unknown to Egypt, as the conquering Chaldean armies continue their rapid expansion across the globe.