ישעיהו, פרק מ״ד, פסוק כ״ז

God possesses the absolute power to overturn the natural order and completely transform human reality. Just as He can cause a desolate desert to bloom, He has the power to entirely dry up places that overflow with water. By doing so, He can dismantle the most powerful and established empires while simultaneously rebuilding those that have been ruined [ביאור שטיינזלץ, רד״ק].

The imagery of deep, roaring waters being commanded to lose their moisture and enter a state of absolute, total dryness represents a severe divine decree of destruction [מלבי״ם, מצודת ציון, שד״ל]. The primary approach among commentators is that this deep abyss and its rivers serve as a metaphor for the mighty empire of Babylon. Geographically, Babylon was situated in a deep valley sustained by numerous rivers [רד״ק, רש״י]. Conceptually, the empire was overflowing with a vast population and immense wealth, much like an abyss filled to the brim with water [אבן עזרא, מצודת דוד]. Because Babylon was viewed as a highly successful, naturally protected fortress where resources gathered effortlessly, striking it down is considered a miraculous alteration of nature itself [מלבי״ם].

The command for the waters to dry up symbolizes the complete desolation of Babylon. The evaporation of its waters represents the loss of its massive population and the destruction of its armies, ensuring that none of its former glory remains [רש״י, רד״ק, שד״ל]. This divine decree was carried out by Cyrus, the king of Persia, who conquered the Babylonian empire. His victory not only brought about Babylon's downfall but also paved the way for Israel to receive permission to return and rebuild the ruined city of Jerusalem [מלבי״ם, רד״ק].

While many view this imagery as a metaphor for national collapse, another perspective suggests that the drying of the rivers describes an actual historical event. According to this approach, the prophecy points directly to the famous military tactic employed by Cyrus. To conquer Babylon, he diverted the waters of the Euphrates River into a different channel, allowing his troops to march directly through the dry riverbed and breach the city's defenses [שד״ל].