יחזקאל, פרק כ״ז, פסוק כ״ו

The peak of success and vast wealth is replaced in an instant by a sharp, deadly downfall. A magnificent ship, once the symbol of economic power, becomes a scene of complete disaster, as the endless drive for riches becomes the very cause of its sinking [ביאור שטיינזלץ].

The path to this ruin unfolds in different ways. One approach suggests that the city's own navigators and leaders steered the ship into deep, dangerous waters [מצודת דוד, מצודת ציון]. These guides represent the neighboring cities of Sidon and Arvad, whose jealousy of such immense greatness motivated them to assist in the downfall, deliberately leading the way to destruction [מלבי״ם]. Alternatively, the ruin is brought about by outside forces coming to loot and plunder the city. In this view, the deep waters are not literal oceans, but a metaphor for an overwhelming wave of troubles and enemies crashing down [רד״ק, אברבנאל].

Regardless of how it arrived there, the ship finds itself in the middle of the ocean, heavily burdened with a massive cargo of treasures. Suddenly, a fierce eastern wind strikes and breaks the vessel apart. Because this happens far out in the deep waters rather than near the safety of the shore, there is absolutely no chance of rescue, and all hope is lost [רש״י, מצודת דוד, מלבי״ם]. This violent wind and the resulting shipwreck serve as a severe punishment for the arrogance that grew from such immense wealth [רש״י].

On a historical level, this fierce and destructive wind represents a powerful, unstoppable king who brought about the city's ruin. Some identify this mighty force as Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon [רד״ק]. Others point to Alexander the Great, noting that he used the sea itself as a weapon to breach the city walls and sink its power completely [אברבנאל].