Divine intervention on behalf of the Israelites completely shifts the balance of power, exposing the true nature of their enemies when faced with absolute terror. Those who hate God are generally understood to be the wicked among the nations and the oppressors of Israel [רד״ק, מצודת דוד, מלבי״ם, מאירי]. However, another perspective identifies them as the mixed multitude who led the Israelites to sin during their time in the desert [אלשיך].
When the ultimate downfall of these enemies arrives, they will be overcome with fear and submission, leading them to lie and deny their past actions. The exact nature of this deception is debated. Some commentators explain that the enemies will direct their lies toward God. In a desperate attempt to escape punishment, they will deny His existence and providence [מלבי״ם], or falsely claim they never rebelled against Him or hated Him [אבן עזרא, מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Conversely, others suggest this deception is directed at the Israelites. Upon witnessing the glory and elevation of Israel, the terrified enemies will deny ever causing them harm, going so far as to falsely claim they respected and treated them kindly during the years of exile [רד״ק, מאירי]. A completely different approach suggests that the reaction is not one of spoken lies, but of physical collapse. Overwhelmed by dread, the bodies of the enemies will simply wither and weaken [אבן עזרא].
The final outcome of this confrontation presents a sharp contrast in interpretation regarding whose fate is sealed forever. One group of commentators believes this refers to the enemies, meaning their time of disaster and ruin has come and will last for eternity, ensuring they will never rise again [רש״י, אבן עזרא, מלבי״ם, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. On the other hand, a second group views this as a blessing directed at the Israelites. According to this approach, if the Israelites had only listened to the voice of God, their time of goodness, blessing, and purity would endure forever, and they would never again suffer exile among the nations [רד״ק, מצודת דוד, מאירי, אלשיך].