Jeremiah 6:25

25 Go not forth into the field, nor walk by the way; for [there is] the sword of the enemy, terror is on every side.

Jeremiah 6:25 Meaning and Commentary

Jeremiah 6:25

Go not forth into the field
Either for pleasure, or for business; to take a walk in it for the air, or to till it, plough, sow, or reap; but keep within the city and its walls, there being danger: nor walk by the way;
in the high road from Jerusalem, to any town or village near it: for the sword of the enemy:
or, "because there is a sword for the enemy" ^F2; or, "the enemy has a sword"; and that drawn; the enemy is in the field, and in the ways, and there is no escaping him: and fear is on every side;
all round the city, being encompassed by the Assyrian army: or, the enemy's sword "is fear on every side" ^F3; causes fear in all parts round the city. The Targum is,

``because the sword of the enemy kills those who are gathered round about;''

or on every side.

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FOOTNOTES:

F2 (bwyal brx yk) "quoniam gladius est inimico", Munster, Vatablus, Junius & Tremellius; "quia (ibi) gladius (qui) hosti", Schmidt.
F3 Gataker.

Jeremiah 6:25 In-Context

23 They lay hold on bow and spear; they are cruel, and have no mercy; their voice roareth like the sea; and they ride upon horses, set in array as a man for the battle, against thee, daughter of Zion.

24 We have heard the report thereof: our hands are grown feeble; anguish hath taken hold of us, pain as of a woman that travaileth.

25 Go not forth into the field, nor walk by the way; for [there is] the sword of the enemy, terror is on every side.

26 Daughter of my people, gird thee with sackcloth, and roll thyself in ashes: make mourning, [as] for an only son -- bitter lamentation; for the spoiler cometh suddenly upon us.

27 I have set thee among my people as an assayer, a fortress, that thou mayest know and try their way.

Footnotes

• [a]. Heb. Magor-missabib: see ch. 20.3.