שמואל ב, פרק כ״ב, פסוק ט״ו

God reveals Himself through a heavenly storm, wielding the forces of nature as weapons to fight enemies, induce panic, and bring down nations [צאינה וראינה]. The arrows He sends are intense flashes of burning fire striking down from the clouds, formed from the very core of the lightning [רלב״ג]. The primary purpose of these fiery arrows is to scatter the opposing forces [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Following this, a profound fear is cast upon the enemy [מצודת ציון, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. This overwhelming chaos serves both as a general state of confusion and a targeted strike designed to break and crush them entirely [ביאור שטיינזלץ, רד״ק, מנחת שי].

Beneath this intense depiction of battle lies a hidden element of kindness toward the lowly and vulnerable. When God brings judgment upon a wicked nation, He chooses not to strike them while they are unified and at the height of their strength. Instead, the events unfold in a deliberate sequence. First, He sends His arrows to separate and scatter the individuals from one another. Only after the enemy is divided and weakened does the lightning arrive to deliver the final, devastating blow [אהבת יהונתן].