ירמיהו, פרק מ״ח, פסוק ב׳

The fall of Moab is characterized by the absolute collapse of its national pride and a relentless enemy pursuit that leaves no survivors. The prophecy maps out this destruction by naming specific cities, illustrating that no corner of the land will offer shelter. The praise and glory that once defined the nation will come to a complete end, leaving no memory behind [מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. This total loss of prestige occurs because Moab's most magnificent and celebrated cities are entirely plundered and ruined [מלבי״ם].

The invading enemies gather in the city of Heshbon, which has already fallen into foreign hands. There, they hold council and carefully plot the complete annihilation of Moab [מלבי״ם, ביאור שטיינזלץ], declaring their intent to wipe it out from being a nation [מצודת דוד]. A poetic connection is drawn between the city's name and its fate; it is specifically in Heshbon that the enemies calculate their destructive plans [רש״י, רד״ק, מצודת דוד].

This matching of city names to dark outcomes continues with the city of Madmen, which is destined for a deep silence representing total destruction, death, and ruin [רש״י, מצודת ציון, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Because Madmen sits at the very edge of Moab's borders, it serves as a natural destination for fleeing refugees hoping to cross into safety [מלבי״ם]. Yet, the prophecy guarantees that no rescue will be found there. A curse ensures that the sword will continue to chase after the fleeing residents, hunting them down no matter where they attempt to escape [מצודת דוד, מלבי״ם, ביאור שטיינזלץ].