איוב, פרק ל״ד, פסוק כ׳

Human existence, regardless of a person's wealth or social standing, is profoundly fragile before Divine providence. A life built on power and status can be undone in a single, fleeting moment. The primary approach among commentators is that sudden death strikes precisely when God wills it, treating the rich and the poor equally as they depart from the world at the exact same instant [רש״י, מצודת דוד, רמב״ן, תקות אנוש, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. This disaster often unfolds deep in the night, catching people completely off guard while they rest in the dark [אבן עזרא, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Alternatively, this nighttime timing is not merely a general observation but a specific historical reference to the Plague of the Firstborn in Egypt, which struck precisely at midnight [רש״י, אלשיך].

In the wake of such sudden ruin, the masses are thrown into severe shock. There is widespread agreement that the populace experiences violent trembling and agitation [מצודת ציון, רלב״ג, אבן עזרא], overwhelmed by a deep dread of death [תקות אנוש] and crying out in despair [רמב״ן]. As a result of this terror, many simply pass away and depart from the world [מצודת דוד, רלב״ג, אבן עזרא, תקות אנוש]. Others, however, interpret this movement not as death, but as a physical march, portraying a mob surging toward the home of their ruler [רמב״ן], or as a historical allusion to the Israelites physically marching out of Egypt [אלשיך].

The sudden upheaval ultimately brings down the strong and courageous, those who rule with authority [מצודת ציון, רלב״ג]. Most commentators explain that these important and powerful figures are removed and brought to their death directly by the hand of Heaven [אבן עזרא, תקות אנוש, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Conversely, some view this as a popular uprising, where the people themselves muster the courage to overthrow a cruel leader [רמב״ן, מלבי״ם]. Taking a more mystical approach, another perspective identifies this fallen mighty figure as Uza, the spiritual guardian angel of Egypt, who was stripped of his power after speaking against Israel [אלשיך].

The collapse of these powerful forces happens with remarkable ease, requiring no physical strength, weapons, or armies [אבן עזרא, מלבי״ם, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Rather than falling in battle, they are defeated through natural death [תקות אנוש] or directly by the spirit of God [רמב״ן]. On the other hand, some commentators suggest that the lack of physical force refers to the victims themselves; they are entirely stripped of their resilience, left without any power in their own hands to save themselves from destruction [רש״י, מצודת דוד].