The Siege of the Sinful City. The prophet bids his kinsfolk (Anathoth, his birthplace, being in Benjamin) to abandon the capital, and to gather in the southern mountains; the northern peril is now nearer than ever, and the fair and luxurious city is to be destroyed. Her besiegers are around her, like shepherds with their flocks, ravaging the land. We hear the foe discussing their plans a surprise at noon when men are resting from the heat; then, when they lament the loss of this opportunity (Woe unto us!), a night attack. The trees around the city (Jeremiah 6:6 mg.; cf. Deuteronomy 20:19-20) are cut down, and earthworks are thrown up as part of the enemy's plan of attack. The city is visited, i.e. punished, because she keeps fresh (Jeremiah 6:7 mg.) her wickedness, as a rock-cistern does its waters; let her be disciplined (Jeremiah 2:30; Jeremiah 5:3; for instructed) before Yahweh casts her off.
Jeremiah 6:1. Tekoa: (p. 31, Amos 1:1) 10 miles S. of Jerusalem. Beth-haccerem: perhaps a height 3 miles NE. of Tekoa.
Jeremiah 6:4 mg. refers to the sacrifices which began a campaign (pp. 99, 114); war and religion are in closest alliance amongst ancient peoples; cf. Deuteronomy 20.
Jeremiah 6:7. The Rabbis found the middle letter of the OT in the word rendered cistern (Cornill).