יחזקאל, פרק ל״ב, פסוק י״ג

A vision of absolute ruin awaits Egypt, transforming its bustling landscape into a scene of undisturbed silence. The destruction will be so complete that the nation's vast water sources will be left perfectly still and crystal clear.

The primary approach among commentators understands this as a realistic picture of the Nile River, along with its surrounding canals and lakes. Historically, massive herds of Egyptian livestock grazed along these fertile banks. However, an invading enemy will ravage the land and carry off the animals, ensuring they will never again drink from the rivers [רד״ק, מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Without a single human foot or animal hoof stepping into the currents to stir up the dirt from the outside, and without any internal disturbance, the waters will remain entirely quiet and clean [מצודת דוד, מלבי״ם, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

In contrast to this literal reading, other commentators view the vast waters as a metaphor for foreign countries. According to this perspective, Egypt will lose its power to muddy the waters of international affairs. The nation will no longer be able to disrupt the lives of other nations or siphon away the wealth and abundance of its neighbors [רש״י, מלבי״ם].

Although the prophecy speaks of a time when the waters will no longer be disturbed, this does not imply an eternal ruin. Rather, it points to a very long and severe period of desolation [רד״ק], which is understood to last for exactly forty years [מלבי״ם].