A chaotic and stormy scene of war unfolds as chariots race fiercely through a city, creating an atmosphere defined by immense speed, terrifying noise, and flashing sights. There are differing views on whose chariots are tearing through the streets. One approach suggests these belong to the city’s defending army. Realizing they cannot overcome the powerful enemy outside the walls, the defenders are trapped inside, running about in sheer panic [רד״ק]. Conversely, others suggest the scene captures the attacking enemy army, whose warriors are charging forward with the wild joy and frenzy of battle [מלבי״ם, אברבנאל]. This frantic movement fills every part of the city, from the back alleys behind the houses to the wide, open public squares at the front [מלבי״ם].
The drivers maneuver their chariots with absolute madness. This wild behavior is either driven by sheer panic and helplessness [רד״ק], the incredible speed of their driving that makes them appear like madmen [מצודת ציון], or the attackers' intense thrill of the fight [אברבנאל]. Accompanying this frenzy is a distinct, overwhelming commotion. The primary approach among commentators is that a deafening noise rises from the rushing chariots and the violent clashing of weapons [רש״י, מצודת דוד, מצודת ציון, אברבנאל, שטיינזלץ]. Another perspective focuses on the physical terror of the soldiers, describing a panicked run where their legs knock together out of intense fear [רד״ק, אבן עזרא]. A third view interprets the commotion as a massive, chaotic gathering of soldiers crowding together in a single place, much like a bustling marketplace [מלבי״ם].
Visually, the scene is just as intense, with the fighters and their chariots resembling blazing torches. This indicates that the warriors' faces are red and burning like fire [מצודת דוד], or that the chariots themselves appear to be glowing and flaming as they speed by [שטיינזלץ]. Alternatively, for the defending army, the deep redness in their faces is a flush of shame brought on by their impending defeat [רד״ק]. They dash back and forth with the speed of lightning [אבן עזרא, מצודת דוד, מצודת ציון, שטיינזלץ, אברבנאל]. This flashing, blinding speed is deliberately calculated to crush the spirit, terrify, and strike deep fear into the hearts of anyone who sees and hears the onslaught [רש״י].