ישעיהו, פרק כ״ג, פסוק ה׳

The collapse of a great regional power acts like an earthquake, sending shockwaves far beyond its own borders. When the mighty city of Tyre falls, the impact will be felt deeply by the neighboring empire of Egypt. The news of this destruction will strike deep fear and trembling into the hearts of those who hear it [מצודת ציון, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

The primary approach among commentators is that this terror grips the Egyptians because of the military implications. Tyre was protected by strong natural defenses and heavy fortifications. Its defeat at the hands of a northern empire serves as a terrifying warning to Egypt that the enemy is heading their way and nothing can stop its advance [רד״ק, אברבנאל, ביאור שטיינזלץ, מצודת דוד]. Alongside this military dread, the anxiety can also be understood from a financial perspective. Tyre and Egypt maintained a vast network of trade. The sudden loss of Tyre means devastating economic ruin for Egypt. Tyrian merchants will no longer arrive to purchase Egyptian grain, and the massive wealth invested in the region will be completely wiped out [שד״ל, מלבי״ם].

Beyond the immediate political and economic fallout, another perspective links this event directly to the Exodus from Egypt. In this view, the reaction of the world to Tyre's downfall mirrors how the nations reacted to the ten plagues. Just as the world trembled upon hearing how God struck the Egyptians, they will shake with terror at the news of Tyre, for God is destined to strike the city with plagues similar to those of Egypt, such as blood and frogs [רש״י, אברבנאל]. Similarly, the sheer shock value of the news is compared to the past. The profound disbelief that accompanied the ancient destruction of Egypt will be matched by the staggering news of Tyre's ruin [אבן עזרא].