A powerful divine intervention is set in motion to stop the nation from sliding further into spiritual and political ruin. God acts much like a husband who physically blocks the roads to prevent his unfaithful wife from reaching her lovers. By completely cutting off all escape routes, God intends to sever the people's dependence on idols and foreign nations.
This intervention is pictured through the world of agriculture and construction. The general concept is one of entirely enclosing the area to trap the traveler inside [רש״י, שטיינזלץ]. God surrounds and closes off the routes using thorny branches, the kind typically used to build fences around fields and vineyards [אבן עזרא, רד״ק]. The blockage is harsh, relying on thick thorns to make passage impossible [מצודת ציון, אבן עזרא, שטיינזלץ]. A careful distinction is made between different types of routes. The main highway, wide and used by the public, is obstructed with these thorns; while it can no longer be traveled, it remains visible. On the other hand, the narrow, hidden trails meant for individuals, which are usually recognized only by subtle markers, are completely distorted and ruined until they cannot be found at all [אבן עזרא, מלבי״ם]. Furthermore, a solid wall is built to seal any remaining gaps, ensuring that even distant communication through cracks in the fence is entirely cut off [מלבי״ם].
The identity of these lovers and the nature of the blocked paths can be understood in two complementary ways. From a political and historical perspective, the lovers represent powerful empires like Egypt and Assyria. The people placed their trust in these foreign powers, seeking peace treaties and alliances. In this context, blocking the roads means God orchestrates a military siege that traps the people inside their cities, or He creates political conflicts that cause these foreign nations to turn against them and refuse assistance [רד״ק, מלבי״ם, צאינה וראינה, אברבנאל].
From a spiritual perspective, the lovers represent the stars, constellations, and idols the people worshipped in their quest for wealth and success. Accordingly, blocking the paths means God alters the very laws of nature. He shuts down the channels of influence they believed came from the stars and ruins all their magical attempts to draw prosperity from the heavens [מצודת דוד, רד״ק, אברבנאל, מלבי״ם].
Whether the blockage comes in the form of severed military aid or the failure of idol worship, the ultimate goal is not simply to punish. Instead, God brings the nation to a complete dead end. Once the people search for their lovers and realize they offer no help, they will recognize their mistake. They will understand that they must return to their first husband, God, the true source of all their past blessings and success [צאינה וראינה, אברבנאל].