ישעיהו, פרק י״ג, פסוק ז׳

The approaching destruction from God leaves a person completely helpless, stripping away both physical strength and mental resilience. The overwhelming fear and total paralysis experienced in the face of this danger are directed specifically at the people of Babylon.

This intense reaction is the direct result of a divine decree. Because the impending disaster is brought about by God Himself, the Babylonians are left without any strategy or clever plan to escape [רד״ק]. A sudden and absolute terror falls upon them as the enemy draws near and the day of God arrives [מלבי״ם, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

Gripped by this profound dread, they experience a complete physical collapse, characterized by extreme weakness [מצודת ציון]. The sheer intensity of their terror [מצודת דוד] leaves the Babylonians too frail to fight back against their attackers [רד״ק]. They are entirely unable to gather the physical energy required to even prepare for battle [מלבי״ם].

This paralysis extends far beyond mere physical exhaustion; it deeply shatters their emotional endurance. Bravery and courage naturally reside in the human heart. When sudden fear causes the heart to melt, a person is drained of all inner strength, leaving them completely unable to stand firm against the unfolding disaster [רד״ק, מלבי״ם].