ירמיהו, פרק מ״ו, פסוק ו׳

In the chaos of battle, physical advantages and military skill lose all value when a total and inevitable defeat unfolds. The collapse of the armed forces is absolute, rendering any attempt to flee or fight completely useless. The swiftest, most agile soldiers cannot outrun the danger, as the pursuing enemy forces will easily overtake them mid-stride [רד״ק, מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. At the same time, the mighty warriors cannot rely on their brute strength to hold the line. Any effort to stand their ground and survive through sheer bravery is doomed to fail [רד״ק, מלבי״ם].

This devastating downfall takes place in the north, specifically near the city of Carchemish, which lies north of Egypt [רד״ק]. The battle reaches its tragic end right beside the waters of the Euphrates River [מצודת ציון]. The ultimate collapse of the army is the result of a severe tactical mistake that leads the soldiers into a geographical trap. Instead of retreating southward toward the safety of their homeland in Egypt, the surviving troops flee north toward the river. The advancing enemy forces press them from behind, driving them directly to the water's edge. With the massive Euphrates River blocking any chance of retreat, the soldiers are entirely trapped, leaving them to stumble and fall with no way out [מלבי״ם].