ירמיהו, פרק נ״א, פסוק ל״ב

A sudden and complete collapse of a city's defenses leaves its protectors entirely helpless as an invading army sweeps in. The strategic loss of key control points ensures the rapid fall of the city.

The invading forces first seize the river crossings. This is a calculated military move with multiple goals. By controlling these waters, the enemy blocks the escape routes of desperate residents trying to flee [מצודת דוד]. At the same time, it allows the invaders to cross safely while cutting off any chance for reinforcements to arrive [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Furthermore, taking these crossings means capturing the crucial watchtowers positioned at the city's entrance, stripping away the first line of defense [רד״ק].

As the invasion progresses, fierce fires are set around the rivers and swamps. The primary approach among commentators is that this refers to the burning of the thick reeds, rushes, and papyrus common to these waters. Burning this brush is a deliberate combat tactic [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. The flames serve to expose anyone trying to hide in the dense thickets [מצודת דוד] and to clear a smooth, unobstructed path for the enemy to march directly into the city [רד״ק]. Alternatively, a different view suggests that the targets consumed by fire are not patches of vegetation, but rather a network of fortresses [רבי יונה המובא ברד״ק].

Witnessing the loss of the water crossings and the destruction consuming their surroundings, the defending soldiers are overwhelmed by terror. Stricken with panic, they freeze entirely, losing all ability to fight back or take any action to save their falling city [ביאור שטיינזלץ].