יחזקאל, פרק כ״ט, פסוק ט׳

The impending destruction of Egypt falls squarely on the shoulders of its leader. Pharaoh views himself as a deity who created the Nile River and the entire nation. Because of this overwhelming pride and his illusion of eternal power, Egypt faces total ruin. The abundance and blessing once provided by the river will be replaced with severe dryness and emptiness [ביאור שטיינזלץ].

The punishment comes in layers of devastation. The ruin primarily strikes the cities, breaking down the physical structures of society. However, a deeper desolation overtakes the entire land, representing a much more severe and absolute level of destruction than the fallen cities alone [מלבי״ם].

The root of this catastrophe lies in Pharaoh's arrogant claims about the river and his own success. He boasts that the Nile exists solely for his personal use, watering his fields so perfectly that he feels no need to depend on rain from the heavens [מצודת דוד]. Furthermore, he declares that he is entirely self-made, having elevated himself to power through his own wisdom and effort [מצודת דוד, רד״ק]. This attitude extends to his absolute grip on the kingdom, believing the throne belongs to him alone because he conquered it through his own sheer force [רד״ק].

Ultimately, the scale of this downfall serves a clear purpose. Through their crushing defeat, the people will be forced to recognize God. They will understand that He is the true judge, faithful to deliver justice and exact retribution for human arrogance [מצודת דוד].