ישעיהו, פרק ג׳, פסוק כ״ה

The destruction of Jerusalem brings a heavy human tragedy, serving as the direct cause for the weeping and mourning of the women of Zion mentioned in earlier prophecies. The city itself is addressed directly, facing the total loss of its human and military strength [רד״ק, שד״ל, שטיינזלץ, אברבנאל].

The impending doom centers on the men of the city [מצודת דוד, מצודת ציון, שד״ל, שטיינזלץ, אברבנאל]. Their violent deaths will leave the women behind as mourning widows [אבן עזרא]. However, there are different views regarding exactly who these men are. The primary approach among commentators suggests they are the warriors and soldiers marching out to war [רש״י, שד״ל]. In contrast, another perspective separates these men from the actual soldiers, viewing them instead as the weak and defenseless who will be struck down by the enemy within their own homes, without ever stepping onto the battlefield [מלבי״ם].

Beyond the ordinary men, the prophecy also addresses the city's might, which practically refers to its heroes and rulers [מצודת דוד, שד״ל, שטיינזלץ]. The intention is directed at the men of might, pointing to the strong figures upon whom the city heavily relied [אבן עזרא, רד״ק]. This poetic phrasing highlights a tragic reality: the physical strength of these warriors will not be enough to save them [שד״ל]. Even as they bravely step onto the battlefield to face the enemy, they will ultimately fall because the opposing forces will simply overpower them [מצודת דוד].

A deeper reading reveals a profound reason for addressing the city's strength as an abstract concept. It emphasizes that it is not merely the heroes who will perish, but the very idea of bravery itself. Rather than dying as noble martyrs whose memories are honored for generations, these soldiers will lose their courage and fall like cowards. Ultimately, this exposes the painful truth that when the day of battle arrived, no true strength or bravery remained in Zion [מלבי״ם].