דברי הימים ב, פרק ז׳, פסוק כ״א

The sharp contrast between the past glory of the Temple and its future ruin creates a sense of universal shock. The remains of the magnificent structure serve as a silent witness, forcing anyone who sees the devastation to stop and question the meaning behind the disaster.

Before its fall, the Temple stood in a state of absolute supremacy. It was elevated, supreme, and wonderful in the eyes of everyone who passed by [מצודת דוד, רד״ק]. This former greatness was the direct fulfillment of an earlier promise that the building would indeed reach such heights [מלבי״ם].

However, upon its destruction, this reality completely overturns. Anyone passing by the site will be struck with deep astonishment. The sheer scale of the ruin will leave onlookers completely stunned [רש״י, מצודת דוד, מצודת ציון, ביאור שטיינזלץ], with some even whistling in disbelief at the harsh sight [רד״ק].

Born out of this profound shock, a natural question arises. Passersby will wonder what could have possibly caused this, asking for what reason God brought such severe destruction upon the land and upon a Temple that was once so highly exalted [רש״י, מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ].