תהלים, פרק פ״ט, פסוק מ״א

A nation's security system collapses instantly when Divine protection is withdrawn, turning a fortified kingdom into an exposed wasteland. The primary approach among commentators is that this collapse happens in two distinct stages, beginning with the outer borders and moving to the inner strongholds. The destruction first strikes the outer walls and partitions [מצודת ציון], specifically targeting the protective barriers built around Jerusalem [רש״י, אבן עזרא]. From a military standpoint, this means the border defenses are ruined and the guards who once kept foreign enemies out are removed. Without this physical and Divine barrier, the land becomes completely exposed. It turns into an ownerless territory where neighbors and travelers can walk right in and loot freely without facing any resistance [רד״ק, מצודת דוד, מלבי״ם].

Once the outer defense line falls, the devastation reaches the second layer: the inner strongholds. These were the reinforced locations, primarily the Temple Mount and the Fortress of Zion, designed to provide the people with a final safe shelter during wartime [רש״י, מלבי״ם]. However, God completely shattered these inner fortresses, bringing about absolute ruin and devastation [מצודת ציון, מצודת דוד]. Because He broke these structures apart, the people were left with absolutely no place to hide, allowing the enemy to step inside securely [מאירי, מלבי״ם].

Beyond the physical destruction, this collapse carries a profound psychological weight, creating a deep sense of fear [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Striking the physical structures of Zion and Jerusalem so severely is meant to cause terror and absolute shock. Anyone walking by will stop in amazement at the sight of the ruins, wondering why God allowed His anger to burn so fiercely against His own city [אלשיך].