ישעיהו, פרק כ״ו, פסוק ו׳

The downfall of the once-mighty city is absolute, its towering pride reduced to dust and trampled into the ground. The ultimate humiliation of this defeat lies not just in the destruction itself, but in who brings it about. The ruins are not crushed beneath the boots of mighty warriors or conquering nobles. Instead, they are stepped on by the most ordinary people, specifically the poorest and weakest members of society [אבן עזרא, מלבי״ם, שד״ל]. This represents a complete reversal of power. Those who were once oppressed and crushed by the city's elite now walk freely over its shattered remains [ביאור שטיינזלץ].

The primary approach among commentators understands this imagery on a national and historical level. The poor and weak symbolize the Israelites. For a long time, they were kept low, subdued, and enslaved. Now, they are granted the strength to crush the pride of their enemies, rising up to become the masters over those who previously oppressed them [רד״ק, מצודת דוד]. Another perspective uncovers a messianic layer in these events. The imagery of a poor person's feet points to the Messianic king, who is famously described in prophecy as a humble leader. Alongside him, the steps of the weak represent the Israelites, who have endured a long history of lowliness and hardship [רש״י].

While some commentators view the double mention of the poor and the weak as a standard poetic style that repeats a single idea for emphasis [רד״ק, מצודת דוד], others find deep meaning in the exact concepts presented. According to this view, the description of poverty does not necessarily mean a lack of money, but rather a profound humility and gentleness of spirit, describing the righteous king. In contrast, the weak are those who truly lack physical resources, strength, or health. There is also a distinction in the physical action described: one term refers to the entire foot coming down with force, while the other simply describes the casual pacing of steps. Therefore, the righteous, humble king will first strike and trample the city with full force. Once he has broken its defenses, even the weakest and most fragile people will be able to easily finish its destruction simply by walking over the rubble [מלבי״ם].