Thus saith the Lord. — The introduction of a new message from Jehovah, speaking through the prophet, is indicated by the usual formula.
Mine evil neighbours. — These were the neighbouring nations — Edomites, Moabites, Hagarenes — who rejoiced in the fall of Judah, and attacked her in her weakness (2 Kings 24:2; Psalms 83:6-9; Psalms 137:7). In the midst of his burning indignation against the sins of his own people the prophet is still a patriot, and is yet more indignant at those who attack her. For them, too, there shall be a like chastisement (comp. Jeremiah 25:18-26), but not for them so signal a deliverance as that in store for Judah. They should be “plucked out” from their own land, Judah from the land of its exile.