ירמיהו, פרק מ״ח, פסוק ל״ג

The harvest season in the land of Moab was once a time of vibrant life, marked by the lively sounds of workers gathering crops and producing wine. Now, a profound tragedy unfolds as the region's flourishing agriculture, once the foundation of its prosperity, faces total ruin. The deep gladness that filled the fertile lands—lush areas abundant with grain fields, fruit trees, and vineyards—is entirely wiped out [מצודת ציון, רד״ק, שטיינזלץ]. Because the crops will no longer grow and there will be no one left to harvest them, the natural joy of the season is brought to a sudden end [מצודת דוד, מלבי״ם]. This removal of gladness points to a complete destruction and a total cessation of happiness [רש״י, מצודת ציון, שטיינזלץ], though another perspective suggests the joy is simply gathered up and exiled to another place [רד״ק].

The devastation extends directly to the region's wine production. The flow of wine into the collection pits is entirely cut off and prevented [מצודת ציון, שטיינזלץ]. In ancient times, as workers crushed grapes with their feet to extract the juice, they would rhythmically shout and sing a joyful cheer to motivate themselves and keep a steady, happy pace [רש״י, מצודת דוד, מצודת ציון, מלבי״ם].

A stark contrast is drawn regarding this traditional harvest cheer. One approach understands the prophetic message as a strong emphasis on the cheer's permanent absence; a joyful noise that was once a constant backdrop to the harvest will now be completely silenced [מצודת דוד, רד״ק]. Alternatively, a more tragic and ironic picture emerges: loud shouts will indeed echo through Moab, but they will not be the familiar, happy songs of the grape treaders. Instead, the sounds filling the air will be cries of disaster, wailing, and panic as the people flee from the swords of enemy soldiers [רש״י, מלבי״ם, שטיינזלץ].