Jeremiah 6:24

24 We have heard reports about the enemy, and we wring our hands in fright. Pangs of anguish have gripped us, like those of a woman in labor.

Jeremiah 6:24 Meaning and Commentary

Jeremiah 6:24

We have heard the fame thereof
Meaning not the prophet's report then, but the rumour of the enemy's coming from another quarter, at the time he was actually coming. These are the words of the people, upon such a rumour spread; or the words of the prophet, joining himself with them, describing their case, when it would be strongly reported, and they had reason to believe it, that the enemy was just coming, and very near: our hands wax feeble;
have no strength in them, shake and tremble like men that have a palsy, through fear and dread: anguish hath taken hold of us;
tribulation or affliction; or rather anguish of spirit, on hearing the news of the near approach of the enemy: and pain, as of a woman in travail;
which comes suddenly, and is very sharp; and this denotes that their destruction would come suddenly upon them, before they were aware, and be very severe.

Jeremiah 6:24 In-Context

22 This is what the LORD says: “Look! A great army coming from the north! A great nation is rising against you from far-off lands.

23 They are armed with bows and spears. They are cruel and show no mercy. They sound like a roaring sea as they ride forward on horses. They are coming in battle formation, planning to destroy you, beautiful Jerusalem. ”

24 We have heard reports about the enemy, and we wring our hands in fright. Pangs of anguish have gripped us, like those of a woman in labor.

25 Don’t go out to the fields! Don’t travel on the roads! The enemy’s sword is everywhere and terrorizes us at every turn!

26 Oh, my people, dress yourselves in burlap and sit among the ashes. Mourn and weep bitterly, as for the loss of an only son. For suddenly the destroying armies will be upon you!