תהלים, פרק ע״ו, פסוק ז׳

A sudden, divine rebuke has the power to bring a chaotic battlefield to a complete halt. When God unleashes His anger, fighting forces are struck with absolute shock and helplessness, paralyzing both vast armies and their beasts of burden. Addressing God specifically in relation to Jacob builds upon the earlier theme of the events, highlighting how great and revered His name is among the people of Israel [אבן עזרא].

The primary approach among commentators is that this overwhelming paralysis falls upon the enemies of Israel, as God intervenes to save His people [המאירי]. This unnatural slumber might affect the specific soldiers who came to wage war [אבן עזרא], or it could describe a broader state where the entire camp simply loses its ability to function, even if the men remain physically awake [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Looking at specific historical and future threats, this sudden immobilization is identified as the deep sleep that overtook the army of Sennacherib [מצודת דוד], or as the downfall of King Gog of Magog, the supreme leader of mighty warriors [רד״ק].

However, a completely different perspective suggests that this devastating scene actually describes the Israelites themselves during the destruction of the Temple. According to this view, as a result of the nation's sins, the terror of God fell directly upon Israel's own heroes. It was God's rebuke that caused the Israelite warriors, along with their horses and chariots, to freeze as if in a deep sleep, leaving them entirely powerless to rise up and defend themselves against the approaching enemy [אלשיך].