ישעיהו, פרק כ״ה, פסוק ג׳

When immense empires crumble and mighty fortresses fall, the shockwaves reshape how the world views divine power. The sudden collapse of seemingly invincible forces compels even the most dominant nations to recognize the rule of God, replacing their former pride with deep awe and respect [מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Commentators offer different perspectives on the specific event that triggers this global awakening. Some suggest this profound realization follows the ultimate defeat of Gog and Magog [רד״ק]. Others view it as the aftermath of the Babylonian empire's sudden fall. Witnessing Babylon's collapse causes aggressive powers to finally acknowledge the God of heaven who orchestrates the rise and fall of kingdoms, prompting them to abandon their arrogance and cease their cruel oppression of others [שד״ל]. Alternatively, this awakening is not limited to eyewitnesses; it extends to survivors and distant nations who merely hear the reports of God's overwhelming might from afar [אבן עזרא].

This global reaction, however, is not uniform. It splits into two distinct responses based on how God interacts with different groups, highlighting a fundamental contrast between the Israelites and the cruel nations of the world [מלבי״ם, מצודת ציון]. God acts on two parallel planes: He extends mercy and salvation to the Israelites, while simultaneously executing harsh justice by bringing ruin to the cities of idolatrous nations. These two forms of divine intervention naturally provoke two different emotions. Acts of destruction and vengeance inspire terror, whereas acts of salvation and compassion inspire deep respect. Consequently, the Israelites, having been saved by God, respond by granting Him honor. In stark contrast, the ruthless nations, witnessing the devastation of their own strongholds, are struck with intense fear. Through these dual actions of saving the oppressed and dismantling the cruel, God simultaneously establishes both universal honor and absolute awe [מלבי״ם].