Jeremiah 4:17 - Clarke's commentary and critical notes on the Bible

As keepers of a field, are they against her round about; because she hath been rebellious against me, saith the LORD. As keepers of a field - In the eastern countries grain is often sown in the open country; and, when nearly ripe, guards are placed at different distances round about it to preserve it from being plundered. Jerusalem was watched, like one of these fields, by guards all round about it; so that none could enter to give assistance, and none who wished to escape were permitted to go out.