ירמיהו, פרק ל׳, פסוק ט״ז

A dramatic shift occurs in God's approach toward the nations that harmed the Israelites. Although the Israelites rightfully endured suffering and exile as a consequence of their sins, the attacking nations are not absolved of their guilt. They possessed no inherent right to violently rob and plunder [ביאור שטיינזלץ, אברבנאל]. In response, God issues a solemn oath [רש"י], declaring that once the Israelites are forgiven and their healing begins, He will deliver exact retribution to their enemies [מלבי"ם, מצודת דוד]. This marks a stark contrast in their ultimate destinies: while the Israelites will survive their exile and achieve redemption, their attackers are doomed to absolute destruction [אברבנאל].

The impending punishment operates on a precise principle of measure for measure, addressing both physical violence and property crimes [מלבי"ם]. Regarding physical harm and the loss of freedom, those who slaughtered and ruined the Israelites will themselves be consumed and destroyed [מלבי"ם, מצודת דוד]. The oppressors who dragged the Israelites into captivity will be forced into captivity themselves. The absolute certainty of this harsh decree is heavily emphasized, ensuring that not a single oppressor will escape this fate [רד"ק].

When addressing the theft and destruction of property, the retribution carefully distinguishes between two distinct types of attackers [מלבי"ם]. One group consists of those who mercilessly trampled and crushed [מצודת ציון]. Their primary goal was to completely ruin and destroy everything in their path, rather than merely taking the spoils [מלבי"ם]. These violent destroyers will ultimately be trampled and treated as worthless refuse by their own enemies [רש"י, מצודת דוד]. The second group consists of thieves who acted purely out of greed, seeking personal profit by taking the best loot for themselves and leaving the rest behind. They too will face an identical punishment, as God will hand them over to be fully plundered by their foes [מלבי"ם, מצודת דוד].