במדבר, פרק כ״א, פסוק כ׳

As the Israelites' journey through the wilderness nears its end, their route serves as both a geographical and spiritual milestone. The path descends from elevated heights into a deep valley in the plains of Moab [דעת זקנים, חזקוני, שטיינזלץ, הכתב והקבלה]. From this valley, the trail ascends once more to a towering peak [רש״י, שטיינזלץ]. From this high vantage point, the landscape looks out over a desolate, empty wasteland [רש״י, אבן עזרא, בכור שור], though some identify this wasteland as a specific location near the border of the land of Israel [ביאור יש״ר, נתינה לגר].

This specific location marks the conclusion of the miraculous well's journey alongside the nation. Upon reaching the border of Moab, an area settled with natural water sources, the divine miracle was no longer necessary, and the well ceased its flow [העמק דבר]. Throughout the years of wandering, the well operated in a deeply miraculous fashion. Rather than flowing continuously and flooding the desert paths, it opened and closed precisely according to the people's needs, clearly demonstrating its divine origin [הכתב והקבלה]. The tribal leaders would use their staffs to guide the water directly from the well to their respective camps [רש״י].

The well's existence is deeply intertwined with Moses. Although his name is notably absent from the song of praise sung for the well—due to the punishment he received because of it—commentators emphasize that the well returned to sustain the Israelites in his merit following the death of Miriam. Fittingly, at this very location where Moses would eventually pass away, the well ceased its function entirely [רש״י, שפתי חכמים, ברכת אשר].

Commentators offer different perspectives on what exactly is described as looking out over the desolate landscape. The primary approach among commentators is that the towering peak itself overlooks the wasteland [רש״י, בכור שור, שטיינזלץ], while others suggest it is the valley below that stretches out and faces the desert [אבן עזרא]. A third perspective proposes that it is the well itself that remains visible. Even after it stopped serving the Israelite camp, the well could still be seen from the peak, transforming into a permanent desert oasis that provided refreshing water and relief to weary travelers [פענח רזא, דעת זקנים, בכור שור, העמק דבר]. Another tradition reveals that the well was ultimately hidden within the Sea of Galilee. According to this account, someone standing on a high point overlooking the sea can still spot a round, sieve-like rock beneath the water, which is the very well of Miriam [רש״י, תורה תמימה, ברטנורא].

Beyond the physical geography, the sharp contrasts in the landscape carry a profound moral lesson regarding pride and humility. The dramatic shifts between the towering heights and the low valleys symbolize the human condition. If a person proudly elevates himself like a high mountain, God will ultimately lower him into a valley. However, if a person remains humble, making himself like a lowly valley or a trodden desert, he is rewarded with the ultimate gift of the Torah and is elevated to true greatness [דעת זקנים, שפתי כהן, חתם סופר].