ישעיהו, פרק כ״ד, פסוק י״ב

A dark picture of absolute ruin and emptiness emerges at the End of Days. During the ultimate conflict of Gog and Magog, the cities of the nations will face widespread destruction, leaving most populations decimated [רד״ק]. Joy and life completely vanish from the urban landscape. Speaking in human terms, the prophet illustrates that ruin is the only thing left behind [אבן עזרא]. Joy has been exiled from the city, and absolute desolation takes its place [מצודת דוד, מצודת ציון]. Spaces once filled with bustling homes now stand entirely empty of people [מלבי״ם].

The devastation extends to the city gates, which face severe ruin and crushing force [אבן עזרא, ביאור שטיינזלץ, מצודת ציון]. Commentators offer different perspectives on how this destruction occurs. One approach views this as a natural consequence of abandonment. Without anyone entering, leaving, or maintaining the city, the gates simply crumble and fall apart on their own [מצודת דוד, רד״ק]. A more mystical perspective suggests that harmful entities take over the abandoned homes and smash the gates [רש״י], acting as part of a broader wave of destructive forces sweeping through the world [ביאור שטיינזלץ].

Another perspective focuses on the social function of the city gate. The gate was not just a physical entrance but the vibrant center of the city where masses and elders gathered [מלבי״ם]. From this view, the physical doors are not the target of the destruction. Because a gate is essentially an empty space, it cannot physically break. Instead, the ruin strikes the open plaza in front of the gate. The crushing blow falls upon the people who once gathered there, transforming a lively social hub into a complete wasteland [שד״ל].