ירמיהו, פרק מ״ח, פסוק ל״א

Alongside the harsh warnings and descriptions of disaster, the prophecy reveals a deep sensitivity to the suffering that is about to fall upon the Moabite nation. After their immense pride is brought low [מצודת דוד] and they fall as casualties to the enemy [מלבי״ם], a heartbroken cry erupts over the total devastation.

A question arises regarding the source of this bitter wailing. One approach suggests that the prophet himself is expressing deep sorrow, crying out over the complete destruction of Moab [מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. This highlights an interesting contrast with an earlier prophecy by Isaiah. In Isaiah's vision, the Moabites wail for themselves because they are guilty of failing to flee. Here, however, the prophet wails on their behalf because God actually prevented them from escaping, moving the prophet to weep for their inevitable loss [מלבי״ם]. Alternatively, other commentators suggest that the prophet is speaking in the voice of the Moabite people, putting words into their mouths to illustrate exactly how they will mourn their own defeat [רד״ק, מצודת דוד].

The lament focuses specifically on the people of Kir-Heres. The primary approach among commentators identifies this location as a central, highly important city, serving as the strong and heavily fortified metropolis of the Moabite nation [רש״י, רד״ק, מצודת ציון, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

When describing the reaction to this city's fate, there are two main ways to understand the response. The primary approach among commentators is that it represents a sound of deep moaning and groaning, much like the mournful cooing of doves. It captures the sound of a heart aching and sighing out of intense pain and sorrow for the city's residents [רש״י, רד״ק, מצודת דוד, מצודת ציון, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Conversely, another perspective views the reaction not as an expression of grief, but as a physical action of removal and evacuation. According to this view, all the casualties and sick of the war will be evacuated to this fortified city, turning it into a central gathering place for all the broken and wounded of Moab [מלבי״ם].