And the shepherds shall have no way to flee,.... Or, "and flight shall perish from the shepherds" u; though they may attempt it, they shall not be able to accomplish it; neither the dignity of their persons, the greatness of their power, or the abundance of their riches, would make a way for them; their enemies being so numerous, powerful, and watchful:
nor the principal of the flock to escape; this was particularly verified in Zedekiah and his princes, Jeremiah 39:4. The Targum is,
"and the house of fugitives shall perish from the kings, and deliverance from the mighty of the people.''
u ואבד מנוס מן הרעים "et peribit fuga a pastoribus", V. L. "effugiumperibit", Schmidt; "perfugium", Cocceius.