Jeremiah 5:16

16 When they aim their arrows, you're as good as dead. They're a nation of real fighters!

Jeremiah 5:16 Meaning and Commentary

Jeremiah 5:16

Their quiver is an open sepulchre
The Chaldeans used bows and arrows in fighting; and the quiver is a case for arrows; and the phrase denotes, that their arrows would do great execution, and be very mortal; so that a quiver of them would be as devouring as an open grave, into which many dead are cast. The Septuagint and Arabic versions have not this clause; and the Syriac version renders it, "whose throats are as open sepulchres"; see ( Romans 3:13 ) : they are all mighty men;
strong in body, of bold and courageous spirits, expert in war, and ever victorious; so that there was no hope of being delivered out of their hands.

Jeremiah 5:16 In-Context

14 Therefore, this is what God said to me, God-of-the-Angel-Armies: "Because they have talked this way, they are going to eat those words. Watch now! I'm putting my words as fire in your mouth. And the people are a pile of kindling ready to go up in flames.

15 "Attention! I'm bringing a far-off nation against you, O house of Israel." God's Decree. "A solid nation, an ancient nation, A nation that speaks another language. You won't understand a word they say.

16 When they aim their arrows, you're as good as dead. They're a nation of real fighters!

17 They'll clean you out of house and home, rob you of crops and children alike. They'll feast on your sheep and cattle, strip your vines and fig trees. And the fortresses that made you feel so safe - leveled with a stroke of the sword!

18 "Even then, as bad as it will be" - God's Decree! - "it will not be the end of the world for you.