ירמיהו, פרק מ״ט, פסוק ד׳

The nation of Ammon faces sharp mockery for an overconfidence built entirely on geographical advantages and material wealth. The prophet questions why this rebellious nation—a people who stubbornly follow their own desires and stray from the proper path [מצודת ציון, ביאור שטיינזלץ]—takes such immense pride in its valleys [רש״י, מצודת ציון, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

The primary approach among commentators is that these valleys were highly fertile plains, producing massive agricultural yields [רד״ק, מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ] because they were naturally sheltered from the sun and immune to drought [רש״י]. Alternatively, this pride stemmed from a military and strategic advantage. The city was surrounded by water-filled valleys that created a natural fortress, making it seem impossible to conquer [מלבי״ם].

The imagery of these valleys flowing or dripping [מצודת ציון] carries several interpretations. One approach views this as a dark prediction of future destruction: the very valleys they currently boast about will eventually flow with the blood of their slain citizens [מצודת דוד, רד״ק], or the formidable strength of the landscape will simply melt away into ruin [רד״ק, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Conversely, this flowing imagery might refer to a natural disaster that had already struck, where severe rains flooded the land and washed away the roots of their prized crops [רש״י]. Another perspective maintains that the flowing water simply continues the description of the city's natural, active aquatic defenses [מלבי״ם].

Wrapped in this false sense of security, Ammon relied heavily on its wealth, specifically vast reserves of grain stockpiled to withstand any prolonged siege [מלבי״ם]. This intense feeling of protection led them to arrogantly declare that no enemy could ever reach them, fully believing that no outside force could successfully oppose or conquer their land [מצודת דוד, מלבי״ם].