God possesses absolute control over both nature and history. The impending disasters facing the people are not random environmental events, but intentional divine decrees. This complete mastery over all heavenly and earthly forces [רד״ק] serves to prove that the coming destruction of Samaria and Jerusalem is an absolute certainty, as God's infinite power can effortlessly alter the very order of creation [אברבנאל].
Every tremor and shock that strikes the land stems directly from His providence [רש״י, אבן עזרא, מלבי״ם, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. When God applies His power, a mere touch causes the earth to react violently. This reaction is understood in two complementary ways. It manifests as a physical earthquake and violent shaking [רש״י, רד״ק], while also acting as a process of melting and dissolving [מצודת ציון, רד״ק, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. This melting represents a complete reversal of the earth's naturally solid and dry state [אבן עזרא]. On a symbolic level, the shaking of the physical ground mirrors the rebellion and intense turmoil experienced by the nation, which are equally guided by God [מלבי״ם].
In the wake of this shock, widespread ruin follows. The resulting state is one of absolute corruption, destruction, and loss [מצודת ציון, רד״ק]. This total devastation echoes the complete eradication of the generation of the Flood [אבן עזרא]. While earlier prophecies described such loss in broad, general terms, the focus here shifts to emphasize the personal, inescapable harm that will strike each and every individual resident [רד״ק].
Ultimately, the land is depicted as being overwhelmed and sinking. It will be flooded by rising waters that cover everything, much like the Nile River in Egypt naturally overflows its banks during the summer month of Tammuz, before eventually receding and pulling the land down into the depths [אבן עזרא, מצודת ציון, אברבנאל]. On a historical and political level, the rising and falling of this river serves as a powerful metaphor. It represents the surging enemy armies that will soon flood the land and exile the people, a sweeping military campaign that is entirely steered by divine providence [מלבי״ם, אברבנאל].