Bible Commentary

Jeremiah 4:16

Jeremiah 4:16

John Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible · John Gill (1697–1771) · Public Domain

Make ye mention to the nations,.... This, according to Kimchi, is the sum and substance of the voice from Dan. It seems to be a summons to the nations to gather together to join the king of Babylon in his enterprise against Jerusalem; see 2Ki 24:2:publish against Jerusalem; what follows:that watchers come from afar country; from Babylon, which is said to be a far country, , these are the soldiers of the king of Babylon; they are called Notzerim; which word agrees with the latter part of Nebuchadnezzar's name; to which some think there is some reference, showing that his army is meant.

It should be rendered "besiegers", as it is by some ; for these were not Nebuchadnezzar's bodyguard, but his whole army, who were come up to besiege Jerusalem; and they are compared to watchers and keepers of a field in the next verse, where another word is used.

The Targum is,"the army of a rapacious people, like the grape gatherers, come from a far country:''and give out their voice against the cities of Judah; threaten the ruin of them; blow the trumpet, the alarm of war; give the orders to besiege; and, being sure of victory, triumph before the attack is made.

R. Joseph Kimchi, R. Jonah, and Ben Melech, but disapproved of by Abarbinel.

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