ירמיהו, פרק מ״ג, פסוק י״א

The approaching invasion of Egypt by the Babylonian king is an unavoidable wave of total destruction, a moment when every individual meets a bitter, preordained fate. The arrival of this destructive force contains a dual nature, reflected in a subtle shift between how the account is written and how it is traditionally read [מנחת שי]. On a physical level, the masculine reading points directly to the arrival of Nebuchadnezzar himself, while the feminine spelling refers to the massive military camp that accompanies him [רד״ק].

This duality also hints at a deeper spiritual reality behind the physical invasion. The feminine written form suggests the arrival of impure forces and accusing angels that have gathered strength. It is only because these forces were granted permission from heaven that the human king, represented by the masculine form, is able to arrive and unleash such widespread ruin [חומת אנך].

As the invasion unfolds, the inhabitants face different destinies, with each outcome carefully measured out. Those condemned to death specifically face the slow agony of famine [מצודת דוד]. The rest of the population is divided between falling into captivity or dying by the sword, with every person experiencing the exact tragedy that was destined for them.