ירמיהו, פרק נ׳, פסוק י״ד

A battle cry against the Babylonian empire echoes as a divine command directed at the armies of Persia and Media [אברבנאל]. They are called to lay a total and uncompromising siege against the city. This call to action not only dictates the nature of the attack but also guarantees its success, framing the invasion as an act of divine vengeance for Babylon's sins.

The attackers are instructed to prepare for a comprehensive assault from all sides of the city. The command is specifically addressed to the archers, warriors who step on their bows with their feet to draw the string tightly, allowing for long distance shots [מצודת ציון]. As the attack begins, the soldiers are ordered to launch their weapons. There are different views regarding the exact nature of this assault. Some explain that the troops are commanded to throw stones [רש"י], while others suggest they are instructed to shoot arrows [מצודת דוד]. A third perspective combines these ideas, describing a barrage of both stones and arrows raining down on the city [רד"ק].

A highly unique interpretation views this command as an extraordinary promise to the soldiers. Although they are trained archers, they are told to simply throw their weapons by hand. The message is that the soldiers do not even need their bows. Even if they hurl the arrows with their bare hands, they will strike their targets with perfect accuracy [מלבי"ם].

The troops are further urged not to spare any ammunition. Often, a soldier on the battlefield might hesitate to shoot, worried about missing the target and wasting an arrow. However, because Babylon has sinned against God, the attackers are guaranteed absolute success. There is no reason to worry about missing or wasting supplies. They are assured that not a single weapon will be used in vain; every shot fired will find its mark and strike down the enemy with certainty.