ירמיהו, פרק נ״א, פסוק מ״א

The sudden fall of a mighty empire leaves the world in a state of deep shock and disbelief. The prophet expresses this profound amazement over the collapse of the Babylonian empire, referring to the great city by the name Sheshach [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. The prophecy raises two central questions of disbelief regarding this historic event, emphasized by repeatedly asking how such a downfall could occur [מלבי״ם].

The first question centers on the sheer impossibility of the conquest itself. Babylon had long been recognized as the praise of the entire earth, a universal symbol of glory and splendor. It defies human understanding to witness such a magnificent, highly praised kingdom actually being captured and subdued [מצודת דוד, מצודת ציון, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

The second point of shock focuses on the scale of the destruction and the empire's tragic new reality. The once-great capital has been reduced to absolute desolation, becoming a subject of horror and amazement among the nations [מצודת דוד, מצודת ציון]. This creates a sharp and bitter contrast. In the past, all nations submitted to Babylon's power and flocked to its gates for trade. Now, those very same nations can only stare in stunned disbelief at the barren wasteland it has become [מלבי״ם].