in those days: i.e. the days of the Restoration spoken of in verses: Jeremiah 3:14; Jeremiah 3:15. Compare Jeremiah 31:38-40; Jeremiah 33:13.
they: i.e. those who return.
shall say no more, 'The ark', &c. The ark was still in the land in the days of this prophecy (2 Chronicles 35:3); but it was to disappear with the broken covenant, of which it was the symbol.
The ark of the covenant of the LORD. Reference to Pentateuch, (see notes on Exodus 25:22). Compare note on 1 Chronicles 13:3).
visit it. This is conclusive of the fact that it was burnt together with the Temple (as it is not included in the excepted things, in 2 Kings 25:9; 2 Kings 25:13-15), notwithstanding the Jewish tradition recorded in. Macc. 2:4-8, and the impossible stories of its being taken over to North Africa, Constantinople, or Ireland.
neither shall that be done, &c.. neither shall it be made any more. It disappeared together with the covenant, of which it was the symbol (Jeremiah 8:19; Jeremiah 12:7; Psalms 132:13; Psalms 132:14). The reason follows in Jeremiah 3:17. Jehovah's throne will be substituted for it: the reality will take the place of the symbol. Jehovah Himself will take the place of the Shekinah.