תהלים, פרק ק״ו, פסוק מ״א

Throughout history, whenever the Israelites abandoned the righteous path, they experienced severe political decline and subjugation to foreign powers. The primary approach among commentators is that this cycle specifically reflects the era of the Judges. During the years bridging the leadership of one judge to the next, foreign nations repeatedly invaded the land [ביאור שטיינזלץ, מאירי]. God continuously handed the people over to the dominion of various kings and empires, such as Eglon the king of Moab, Cushan-rishathaim, Sisera, the Philistines, and Midian [רש״י, מאירי].

Alternatively, this period of subjugation may point to a later tragedy, specifically the destruction of the Temple and the subsequent exile. From this perspective, God allowed foreign nations to conquer the Israelites with a specific purpose in mind. The intense suffering and the harsh reality of being scattered across foreign lands were meant to serve as an atonement for their past sins [אלשיך].

The descent into foreign control was not immediate but unfolded in distinct stages of national decline. Initially, the Israelites were simply governed by nations considered to be their haters. However, this political rule was merely the first step. The situation eventually worsened, escalating into severe physical oppression at the hands of actual enemies. These enemies were far more cruel and destructive than the initial haters, ultimately forcing the Israelites into complete and total submission under foreign power [מלבי״ם].