דברי הימים ב, פרק ט״ו, פסוק ו׳

A period of profound social chaos and severe warfare takes center stage, depicting a reality where society fractures into violent conflict. This total breakdown of order is not the result of natural historical cycles, but rather a direct intervention from God, bringing punishment and overwhelming turmoil. The devastation experienced during this time is one of absolute shattering and crushing [רש״י, מצודת ציון, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

There are different perspectives regarding the identity of those fighting one another in this widespread conflict. One approach understands the violence as intense internal strife within the nation itself, characterized by clashes between various tribes, families, and social groups [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. More specifically, this manifests as a bitter civil war between the Kingdom of Judah and the Kingdom of Israel [מצודת דוד]. Conversely, another perspective views the conflict as an external threat, where foreign nations rise up to attack the Israelites, leading to battles between the inhabitants of gentile cities and those of Israelite cities [רלב״ג].

The root cause of all these relentless battles and hardships is God Himself, who either completely crushes the people [מצודת דוד, מצודת ציון] or throws them into a state of sudden panic and confusion [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. The sheer volume of these troubles, their diverse nature, and their rapid spread across many lands serve as clear evidence of their origin. They prove that these events are not random occurrences or natural disasters. Instead, they are precise, providential punishments directed by God, who uses these severe hardships to break the people and plunge them into turmoil [מלבי״ם].