The words אל-תעמדו, al-tomedu, may be explained in two ways, — “Stand not,” that is, “Hasten quickly,” as it is the case with those in extreme fear; or, “Ye shall not stand,” that is, “Though ye may seek a firm position on Mount Sion, ye shall not yet be able to continue there.” The first exposition appears to me the best, as it is more suitable to the context. (102)
(102) These two verses contain a very spirited address, in a style truly poetical, —
5. Announce ye in Judah, And in Jerusalem publish, and say, — Yea, sound the trumpet in the land, Proclaim, do it fully, and say, — “Be assembled, and let us enter into fortified cities;
6. Raise a banner towards Sion; Hasten ye, stay not:“ For an evil am I bringing from the north, And a great destruction.
The people of Judah were summoned to enter into fortified cities, and Mount Sion was to be the resort of the inhabitants of Jerusalem: “Hasten ye,“ σπεύσατε — hasten, Septuagint. This is the meaning of עז in Hiphil. See Exodus 9:19; Isaiah 10:31. In Jeremiah 6:1, it is translated “Gather yourselves to flee;” but “hasten,” or remove vigorously or quickly, would be the best rendering. — Ed