במדבר, פרק כ״א, פסוק ט״ו

As the Israelites journeyed toward the Promised Land, they navigated a complex and rugged terrain along the borders of Moab and the Amorite territory. These events, recorded as part of the wars of God, were marked by both natural geographical boundaries and hidden miracles, ultimately inspiring the people to independently sing a song of thanks for water. This spontaneous praise signaled their growing maturity as a nation, ready to enter the land even without Moses' direct prompting [ביאור שטיינזלץ].

The primary approach among commentators is to view the landscape as a description of a steep slope or rushing waterfall [ספורנו, דעת זקנים, בכור שור, ביאור יש״ר, מלבי״ם]. The rushing water curved and directed its flow toward the significant Moabite settlement of Ar [ספורנו, ביאור שטיינזלץ], a place also recognized as a village [נתינה לגר]. The stream continued until it reached the very edge of the Moabite border [ספורנו, דעת זקנים]. This natural boundary held deep political and historical significance. Although the water touched the city of Ar and supplied it with water, the majority of the stream flowed through the territory captured from Sihon, king of the Amorites. Consequently, these waters belonged to the Israelites and were intended for their use [העמק דבר, מלבי״ם]. Furthermore, the water leaned against the border but never crossed deeply into Moabite land, a territory where the Israelites were strictly forbidden from engaging in warfare [ספורנו, חזקוני].

Alongside this geographic mapping, another major interpretive approach reveals a dramatic, hidden miracle of survival. According to this view, Amorite forces had planned a deadly ambush within the deep valley. They hid inside mountain caves, preparing to rain down arrows and stones on the Israelites as they passed. In this context, the rushing flow does not describe a waterfall, but rather the spilling of the ambushing enemies' blood [רש״י, שפתי כהן, קיצור בעל הטורים]. The landscape itself transformed to protect the nation. The mountain on the Amorite side physically shook and moved toward the mountain on the Moabite side. It shifted like a maidservant stepping forward to greet her mistress, honoring the presence of the Ark of the Covenant and the Israelites. As the mountains closed in, the rocky protrusions of one mountain perfectly aligned with and entered the caves of the other, crushing the hidden enemies inside [רש״י, ברכת אשר על התורה, משכיל לדוד]. The two mountains remained locked together, forming a natural bridge. This allowed the Israelites to cross safely over the top without descending into the dangerous valley below. Crossing this bridge also spared them from witnessing the gruesome sight of the crushed enemies immediately; they only realized the miracle later when the local well waters washed the blood out into the open [שפתי חכמים, גור אריה].