Nations at the farthest edges of the earth are suddenly gripped by overwhelming terror in the face of monumental historical and divine events. Realizing they are defenseless, they unite in a desperate attempt to protect themselves. Commentators identify three primary eras that trigger this global panic. One perspective traces this fear back to the days of Abraham. When he miraculously defeated four mighty kings with only a small group of men, the news traveled to the ends of the earth and planted deep fear among the nations [מצודת דוד, רד״ק, צאינה וראינה, אברבנאל]. Another view suggests the terror is sparked by the military conquests and overwhelming power of the Persian king Cyrus [אבן עזרא, שד״ל, אברבנאל]. A third approach looks to the future, explaining that this describes the Messianic era. At the time of the final redemption, the nations will witness the great miracles God performs for the people of Israel [רש״י, מלבי״ם, צאינה וראינה, אברבנאל].
When distant nations and idol worshippers [רש״י, מלבי״ם] witness these events, they realize they have no valid argument to present against God [שד״ל]. This realization triggers a rapid, sudden panic, causing them to retreat in shock [מלבי״ם, שד״ל]. Driven by this intense anxiety, they immediately gather. Their assembly is sudden and absolute, as if they all materialized together in a single instant [מלבי״ם].
The exact nature of this gathering is viewed differently among the commentators. Some explain that the nations approach in submission. In the context of Abraham, they come forward to humbly ask him for gifts, much like the King of Sodom did [מצודת דוד, רד״ק, צאינה וראינה]. Others view the assembly as a military alliance, where the nations unite to wage war against the Messiah as they see the redemption drawing near [רש״י, מלבי״ם]. Another perspective notes a shift in their attitude, suggesting they initially gather with arrogance to challenge God in judgment, only to be overcome by fear [שד״ל].
Beyond their physical gathering, their spiritual reaction is deeply flawed. Rather than acknowledging that these miracles are the work of God and choosing to worship Him, the terrified nations double down on their false beliefs. They gather to encourage one another and turn to their idols. In a desperate hope for salvation from the looming threat, they focus their efforts on repairing and strengthening their statues, mistakenly trusting that these creations will save them [רד״ק, שד״ל, ביאור שטיינזלץ, צאינה וראינה, אברבנאל].