ישעיהו, פרק י״ג, פסוק כ״ב

The bustling noise of the Babylonian empire, once defined by the lively sounds of luxurious courtyards and joy, is destined to be replaced by the mournful wails of wild animals wandering through abandoned ruins. The collapse of this great power will be both swift and absolute.

The primary approach among commentators is that the sounds echoing through the ruins will be loud cries or wails of mourning [רש״י, מצודת ציון, רד״ק, שטיינזלץ]. A differing perspective suggests the sounds might resemble a haunting melody, or simply signify that the animals have made these ruins their permanent home [אבן עזרא]. The creatures producing these cries are identified in various ways. Some describe them as desert beasts or wild dogs named for their distinct howls [רד״ק, שד״ל], wildcats [רש״י, שטיינזלץ], creatures arriving from distant lands [מלבי״ם], or birds of prey [אבן עזרא]. They will be joined by animals commonly understood to be jackals or similar wild beasts [שד״ל, אבן עזרא], though some interpret them as a type of snake [מצודת ציון]. Together, these creatures will cry out endlessly in the exact spots where people once indulged in luxury and pleasure [מצודת דוד, רד״ק].

These beasts will take up residence in the empire's grand structures. The primary approach among commentators is that the language describing these palaces is deliberately altered to create a mocking play on words [רש״י, מצודת ציון, רד״ק, שטיינזלץ]. This subtle shift implies that the once-great buildings will be left entirely abandoned and lonely, much like widows [שד״ל]. Alternatively, a more literal interpretation suggests that the animals will simply dwell in these ruins alongside their own mates [אבן עזרא]. The distribution of the animals within the ruins reflects their nature. Solitary creatures will take over the small, private rooms surrounding the main houses, while pack animals will gather in the massive halls and grand palaces that were previously dedicated to joyful gatherings and songs [מלבי״ם, מצודת ציון].

The impending disaster is fast approaching, and Babylon's days of peace will be notably brief. The certainty of this rapid downfall is emphasized through repetition, leaving no doubt about the empire's fate [מצודת דוד, רד״ק]. Ultimately, Babylon's dominance lasted only about seventy years. Its sudden collapse was driven by two complementary factors: it served as a direct punishment from God for the harm inflicted upon Israel, and it fulfilled a historical necessity. The stage had to be cleared for the rise of a new empire, one that would facilitate the redemption of Israel and the rebuilding of the Temple [רש״י, מלבי״ם, שטיינזלץ].