What are the connotations of "u'Fakdu Sarei Tzeva'os be'Rosh ha'Am"?
Rashi: It means that they place guards in front of the camp and at the back, 1 who wield metal axes a. to prevent anyone from leaving the battlefield, 2 and b. to help those who have fallen to get up and to encourage them to return to the battlefield. 3
Ramban, R. Bachye #1 and Seforno: It means that, after the offiers had finished speaking to the people, they appointed the senior officers to lead the troops. 4
R. Bachye #2: It hints at the angels in charge of the Mazalos to influence them from above to help Yisrael. 5 6
Since R. Meir would call the end of a rope 'Reisha' (Yerushalmi Sotah, 5:10). See Torah Temimah, note 43.
Rashi: To break their bones if necessary. Sotah, 64a:
Rashi: Since 'Fleeing is leads to falling!' See Torah Temimah, note 42.
Ramban: This was the regular procedure when fighting wars, which the Torah expects us to follow (though He Himself then proceeds to perform concealed miracles - R. Bachye) except when there is no other way of salvation or where it is to make His Name known to His enemies - such as by Keri'as Yam-Suf and other similar occasions.
This follows the Kohen Gadol's words of encouragement, which he spoke with the authority of the crown that he wore in the form of the anointing oil - See Bamidbar 6:7 - where he explained to the troops the Atzilus which fed the angels who were in charge of the Mazalos - See R. Bachye.
We find that "the stars fought with Sisera" - in Shoftim 5:20. (PF)
Why do they place the senior officers only after the various groups have left the battle-front?
