ירמיהו, פרק מ״ח, פסוק ל״ז

The destruction of the Moabite land brings about a grief so profound that it erupts into extreme physical displays of pain. The people mourn a shattering so complete that they are left feeling like an unwanted, broken vessel that can never be fixed [מלבי״ם]. To express this deep sorrow, they turn to severe acts of self-harm. Such practices, including self-mutilation and tearing out hair over the dead, were common among the nations of the region, even though they were strictly forbidden for the Israelites [ביאור שטיינזלץ].

The primary approach among commentators highlights the harsh physical customs of this grief. In their overwhelming sadness, the mourners violently pluck the hair from their heads until bald spots form, a raw human reaction to tragedy [רד״ק, מצודת דוד]. They also disfigure their beards, which are traditionally considered the pride and beauty of a person's face. By shaving or tearing out their facial hair, they intentionally strip away their dignity to express a profound sense of lowliness and disgrace [רד״ק, מצודת ציון].

The physical toll extends beyond their hair, as the mourners carve deep scratches into their own flesh out of sheer agony [רד״ק, מלבי״ם]. Finally, they wrap their waists in sackcloth, adopting the rough, familiar garment that serves as the ultimate physical expression of mourning [מצודת דוד].