ירמיהו, פרק י״ח, פסוק כ״א

A prophet pushed to the brink by relentless persecution ultimately seeks absolute justice from God. After being repaid with evil for the good he has done, and facing plots against his life, he feels fully justified in praying for the total downfall of his enemies [רד״ק, מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

He asks God to hand the children of his persecutors over to starvation [מצודת ציון]. A grim fate awaits the youth: those who remain within the city walls will succumb to famine, while those who venture outside will be struck down by the sword [מלבי״ם]. The destruction brought by enemy armies will be so complete that the blood of the fallen will be poured out and spilled like water [רש״י, רד״ק, מצודת דוד, מצודת ציון]. Consequently, the women of the city will be left entirely destitute, facing a double tragedy as they mourn the loss of their children and suffer as widows [רד״ק, מצודת דוד, מלבי״ם, מצודת ציון].

The men themselves face two distinct destinies based on their age and role in society. The older men, who do not fight in wars, will be denied a natural passing [מלבי״ם]. Instead, they will suffer a harsh and unusual end [מצודת דוד, מלבי״ם]. This severe fate is understood by some as a deadly plague or terrible disease [רד״ק, ביאור שטיינזלץ], while others suggest they will be struck directly by the Angel of Death [רש״י]. In contrast, the young men and warriors will face an end fitting their station. Because it is their nature to go out to war, they will meet their death in combat, falling by the sword on the battlefield [רד״ק, מצודת דוד, מלבי״ם].