ישעיהו, פרק ג׳, פסוק ב׳

As a society faces its downfall, God removes the very pillars that hold it together, stripping away key figures and respected individuals until the nation is left completely without leadership [מצודת דוד, רד״ק, שטיינזלץ]. The unraveling of this society unfolds through pairs of leaders, with each pair representing different types and levels of power and authority.

The military forces are the first to fall. This includes the natural hero, a figure endowed with extraordinary physical strength, much like Samson. Alongside him stands the seasoned warrior, who may lack raw natural power but makes up for it with hard-earned battlefield experience, combat skills, and tactical cunning [אבן עזרא, מלבי״ם].

With the defense shattered, the pillars of justice and civil society are removed next. At the highest level is the primary judge, a major national leader who guides the people on the correct path and in religious practice. Below him is the elder, serving as a local judge or community head [אבן עזרא, מלבי״ם, שטיינזלץ]. This title of elder does not necessarily imply old age; rather, it is a position of authority granted to those with rich life experience and the capability to judge and lead their communities [אבן עזרא, שד״ל].

Finally, the nation loses the individuals they turn to for guidance and knowledge of the future. Traditionally, a prophet delivers messages directly from God, whereas a diviner uses lesser, mystical methods like astrology and casting lots to advise the public [מצודת ציון, מלבי״ם, שד״ל, שטיינזלץ]. However, in a society that has distanced itself from God, the people often abandon true spiritual guides. Therefore, the prophet mentioned in this context may actually refer to a false prophet whom the people have chosen to rely on alongside the diviners [שד״ל]. A unique perspective suggests that the figure of the diviner actually refers to a king, drawing on the biblical concept that a king speaks with a form of divine intuition [רש״י].

As the collapse becomes complete, these leaders meet different tragic fates. The men of the military will find their end on the battlefield, falling by the sword. Meanwhile, the civil, judicial, and spiritual leaders will perish inside the city walls, succumbing to the devastating effects of famine and plague [רד״ק].