ירמיהו, פרק נ״א, פסוק כ״ז

The downfall of the Babylonian empire is orchestrated to occur through a massive, sweeping military coalition. God directs these historical shifts to unfold through natural means, ensuring that the preparations for war rely entirely on physical and conventional strategies [חומת אנך]. A poetic, general call goes out to the world, signaling the armies to gather by raising a flag on a tall pole and blowing a horn [מצודת דוד, מצודת ציון, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. This summons is not directed at any specific individual; rather, it highlights that the military mobilization encompasses many different nations, extending far beyond just the kingdom of Media [רד״ק].

The call serves as a formal invitation, preparing and gathering diverse forces for the upcoming battle [רש״י, מצודת ציון, מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Specifically, the summons reaches out to Ararat, Minni, and Ashkenaz, which are distinct geographic locations [מצודת ציון]. These were barbaric kingdoms situated close to Babylon [ביאור שטיינזלץ], and their involvement clearly illustrates how a vast array of nations and kings, from both near and far, converged to dismantle the Babylonian power [מלבי״ם].

As the armies assemble, they are instructed to establish a formal chain of command [מצודת ציון]. Most commentators explain that they must appoint high-ranking military officers and commanders to lead the charge [מצודת דוד, מצודת ציון, ביאור שטיינזלץ, רש״י], while some suggest this appointment refers to the marshaling of the troops themselves [רש״י]. The sheer intensity of the impending attack is demonstrated by the arrival of an overwhelming cavalry, bringing horses so vast in number that they resemble a swarming plague of locusts [מצודת דוד, מצודת ציון, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

These horses are uniquely fierce as they enter the battle. The primary approach among commentators is that they are incredibly strong and brave, filled with such intense battle excitement that the hair on their bodies stands on end, stiffening like nails [מצודת דוד, מצודת ציון, רש״י]. Alternatively, this portrays the horses standing upright, rearing up on their hind legs as they launch into a violent charge [ביאור שטיינזלץ].