תהלים, פרק פ״ג, פסוק ט״ו

The downfall of the enemies is envisioned as an unstoppable force of nature. A massive, uncontrollable wildfire serves as a powerful image for this destruction, illustrating how swift and absolute their punishment will be. This devastation comes through two distinct channels: the enemies turning on one another, and their relentless pursuit by God.

The imagery begins with a fire tearing through a dense forest. Commentators explore the exact nature of this blaze. The primary approach views the fire as an active, aggressive force deliberately consuming the woodland [אבן עזרא, מלבי״ם], a reading supported by the parallel imagery of flames actively scorching the landscape [אבן עזרא]. Another perspective suggests the focus is on a fire burning deeply within the forest itself [רד״ק].

Regardless of the exact mechanics, the choice of a forest is highly symbolic. In a woodland, trees stand tightly packed together. Once a fire takes hold, it jumps quickly from one trunk to the next, spreading rapidly until the entire area is reduced to ash. This chain reaction mirrors the chaos and confusion that will strike the enemy camps. In their panic, they will fight and destroy one another, with each person bringing down his neighbor just as one burning tree ignites the one beside it [רד״ק, מלבי״ם, מאירי].

The destruction then moves upward to the mountains, where fierce flames actively ignite the landscape [מצודת ציון]. This mountain blaze specifically consumes the trees and grass growing along the slopes [רד״ק, מאירי]. The mountain setting introduces a new, dangerous element: strong winds. Powerful gusts fan the flames, violently pushing the fire forward from tree to tree and making it incredibly difficult to extinguish [רד״ק, מצודת דוד]. This fierce wind represents direct divine intervention. Just as the mountain gusts drive the roaring fire, God will pursue and terrify the enemies with His storm, striking them down with His inescapable flame [רד״ק, מאירי, מלבי״ם].