Order ye the buckler, &c. In these verses the mighty preparations of the Egyptians for war are described, which causes the prophet, who foresees the defeat, to express, as he does in the next two verses, “his astonishment at an event so contrary to what might have been expected; but he accounts for it by ascribing it to the disposition of the Almighty, who had spread terror all around, and had decreed that neither swiftness nor strength should avail the owners so as to save them from the impending overthrow.” Blaney. I have seen them dismayed and turned back God had, in a vision, shown Jeremiah the army of the Egyptians discomfited and fleeing; and their mighty ones Their most powerful warriors and valiant commanders; are beaten down, and are fled apace Either fall in the battle, or flee away as fast as they can; for fear is round about A panic fear hath seized the whole army. Let not the swift flee away Let them not be able to escape from those that pursue them, but be either killed or taken. They shall stumble, &c., toward the north by the river Euphrates Which was northward from Egypt, and even from Judea: so Babylon is described as lying northward, being situate upon that river.
Related Commentaries of Jeremiah 46:3
Jeremiah 46:3-6
3 Order ye the buckler and shield, and draw near to battle.
4 Harness the horses; and get up, ye horsemen, and stand forth with your helmets; furbish the spears, and put on the brigandines.
5 Wherefore have I seen them dismayed and turned away back? and their mighty ones are beaten down, and are fled apace, and look not back: for fear was round about, saith the LORD.
6 Let not the swift flee away, nor the mighty man escape; they shall stumble, and fall toward the north by the river Euphrates.