ישעיהו, פרק כ״ה, פסוק י״א

A dramatic and vivid image of a struggle in the water captures the total downfall and broken pride of Moab. The scene depicts a figure spreading their arms with intense force, though commentators differ on exactly who is making this motion. The primary approach among commentators is that God extends His hands directly into the land of Moab to strike the nation with absolute power [אבן עזרא, רד״ק, מצודת דוד, שטיינזלץ]. God executes this sweeping judgment with complete ease, much like a person effortlessly floating and controlling the water around Him [מלבי״ם]. Others, however, understand this physical struggle as a picture of Moab himself. In this view, Moab throws his hands in every direction out of sheer desperation, weeping, and utter ruin [רש״י, אברבנאל]. Alternatively, the motion represents Moab's strained, desperate attempt to break out of his borders and overpower Israel [שד״ל].

Regardless of who is taking the action, the movement is compared to a swimmer extending their arms to their full length. This imagery highlights the immense force used to push and strike the water [רד״ק, שד״ל, שטיינזלץ, אברבנאל], or simply the act of navigating through the waves [רש״י, מצודת ציון]. Ultimately, it is God who acts to humble Moab and completely break his pride.

The exact method of this humbling has sparked several different explanations. One approach relates the downfall to Moab's military defenses and ambushes. This refers to their hiding places, high towers, fortified walls, or battle tactics, none of which will save them in their time of distress [רש״י, מצודת דוד, מצודת ציון, מלבי״ם]. A second view suggests the imagery focuses on the arms themselves. Just as a strong swimmer forcefully pushes down the water beneath his arms to move forward, God will forcefully push down and humble Moab [רד״ק, שטיינזלץ]. A third explanation draws on the Aramaic language, suggesting the imagery refers to small boats or rafts used to assist in swimming. According to this idea, despite all of Moab's desperate efforts to use outside tools to stay afloat and survive, God will plunge him into the water and completely break his pride [שד״ל].