ירמיהו, פרק כ״ה, פסוק ל״א

A massive sound echoes across the globe, announcing a universal trial that God is conducting with all of humanity. Because this overwhelming noise reaches the very ends of the earth, it signals that the divine decree applies to everyone without exception [מצודת דוד]. The exact nature of this sound is understood in various ways. It is viewed as a loud, chaotic hum [מצודת ציון], the terrifying roar of God [מלבי״ם], or the destructive noise of war [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Regardless of its form, it serves as the opening signal for a severe legal confrontation between God and the nations.

This confrontation unfolds in distinct stages, beginning with general claims and ending in a lethal verdict. The process starts with a broad dispute, representing the initial phase where legal claims are brought forward. This general conflict places all nations in immediate danger [מלבי״ם]. Following this, the process moves to the final judgment. The primary approach among commentators is that God engages in a formal legal proceeding with all human beings [מצודת ציון]. He brings them to trial to punish them for their evil, an event historically fulfilled by handing the nations over to the king of Babylon [רד״ק].

However, this divine debate is not conducted with words, but with actions. The very act of handing the wicked over to the sword serves as God's argument. Through their severe punishment, He makes them fully aware of their crimes [מצודת דוד]. Ultimately, the trial serves to filter and expose the wicked who have sinned, clearly identifying those who are marked for death and destruction [מלבי״ם].