What is the meaning of "v'Nikaf"?
Rashi: Also this is an expression of cutting, like "k'Nokef Zayis" (17:6). It is Nif'al conjugation. Radak - the Targum of "va'Arafto" (Shemos 13:13) is v'Sinkefe.
What are "Sivcheu ha'Ya'ar"?
Rashi: They are the important, strong branches. Radak - this is a metaphor for the great officers who were with Sancheriv in his counsel with the same heart. They were Histavech (interwoven), like interwoven branches.
Malbim: It is all branches and stumps.
Why does it say "ba'Barzel"?
Radak: Just like iron cuts branches, so something stronger than them will cut them.
What is "ha'Levanon"?
Gitin 56b: It refers to the Mikdash. Refer to 10:34:5:1.
Rashi: It is "Yaro v'Charmilo" (18), i.e. his abundance of troops.
Radak: It is a general term for the entire forest. Levanon is the name of a forest in Eretz Yisrael. The verse discusses a common case. Malbim - In the Nimshal, first his officers and Giborim will fall, and afterwards his entire camp.
What do we learn from "[veha'Levanon] b'Adir Yipol"?
Gitin 56b: Adir means king, and Levanon refers to the Mikdash. R. Yochanan ben Zakai inferred that Aspanyainus (the general who was about to conquer Yerushalayim and the Mikdash) is a king.
Rashi #1: They will fall via an angel.
Rashi #2: The will fall in the merit of Chizkiyah, who was the Adir and ruler of Yisrael - "v'Hayah Adiro Mimenu" (Yirmeyah 30:21).
Malbim: They will fall via strong iron.
