Commentators are divided on who this verse is about. Most modern scholars, like Ellicott, argue that "he" refers to Nimrod, who aggressively expanded his kingdom from Babylonia into Assyria. Others, like Gill and Calvin note, argue the original language suggests it was "Asshur" (a descendant of Shem) who went forth, likely fleeing Nimrod's tyranny. Both interpretations highlight the conflict and ambition that characterized the founding of these early empires.