ירמיהו, פרק נ׳, פסוק ל״ב

The collapse of the Babylonian empire is driven by the absolute downfall of its leader. The prophetic reference to arrogance and wickedness points directly to the wicked king of Babylon [רד״ק], specifically identifying Belshazzar. His ruin happens in a clear sequence: first, he stumbles, and as a direct result, he completely falls [מלבי״ם]. This defeat is absolute and final. Belshazzar will be killed and his royal dynasty permanently severed, ensuring that no descendant will ever rise to rebuild the government or take his place on the throne [מצודת דוד].

The physical destruction of the empire is characterized by a sweeping fire. God declares that He will ignite a blaze within the cities of Babylon [מצודת ציון, ביאור שטיינזלץ], which will then burn and consume all the surrounding territories [מצודת דוד, מצודת ציון]. This dynamic presents a striking reversal of standard military strategy. In normal warfare, an invading army first conquers the open fields and rural areas before penetrating the fortified cities. In Babylon's case, the destruction begins directly inside the cities themselves, with the fire spreading outward to destroy everything in the surrounding landscape [מלבי״ם].