Why did He bring the Kasdim against Yisrael?
'Rashi': They were a lowly nation ? "Kasdim Zeh ha'Am Lo Hayah" (Yeshayah 23:13). This fulfilled "Hem Kin'uni v'Lo Kel? b'Goy Naval Ach'isem" (Devarim 32:21).
Why were they stricken in the Beis ha'Mikdash?
'Rashi': This was due to "va'Ytam'u Es Beis Hashem" (verse 14). "V'Haku Al Tachos Einchem; ? Tze'u v'Yatz'u v'Hiku va'Ir" (Yechezkel 9:5, 7) was fulfilled.
What is the significance that they did not have mercy on youths and elders?
'Rashi': This is unlike the custom of soldiers. When they win in war, they kill fighters, but they have mercy on the old and young. This fulfilled Moshe's Nevu'ah "mi'Chutz Teshakel Cherev? Gam Bachur Gam Besulah" (Devarim 32:25).
What is "Yashesh"?
Radak: This is like "Yashish" with a Chirik (e.g. Iyov 15:10, a very old person).
