ירמיהו, פרק ב׳, פסוק י״ח

The people are confronted with the deep absurdity of their political and spiritual choices. Rather than relying on the source of salvation that is readily available and close to home, they exhaust themselves maneuvering between rival foreign empires in a pointless search for security. These foreign powers act entirely out of their own self-interest and ultimately cannot be trusted [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. The primary approach among commentators is that drinking water from distant lands serves as a metaphor for begging for help, forming political alliances, and relying on foreign military strength.

The prophet questions their desire to travel to Egypt to drink from the Shihor, which is identified as the Nile River [מצודת ציון]. It is likely called by this name because of the dark color of the mud and sludge it sweeps along its path [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. There is a painful historical irony in this political pivot. The people are choosing to place their trust and hope for salvation in the very same river where the Egyptians once drowned their infant sons [רש״י].

At the same time, the people face rebuke for turning toward Assyria to drink from its waters, referring to the Euphrates River [מצודת ציון, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Seeking out the Assyrian king is an act of direct rebellion against God. Tragically, the consequence of this choice will be a forced exile across that exact same river [רש״י]. The primary approach among commentators highlights the sheer blindness and futility of seeking outside help. Because the world is guided entirely by Divine providence, there is absolutely no logic or benefit in turning to Egypt or Assyria for protection [מצודת דוד, צאינה וראינה].

The people go out of their way to embark on distant journeys, acting as though they desperately crave foreign water. If they had only chosen to walk a straight and faithful path, they would have received God's help right where they stood, without any need to wander [רד״ק, אברבנאל]. Ultimately, the people are choosing to abandon their true source of living water, which is God and the Temple, trading it away to drink from the rivers of foreign nations [מלבי״ם].