17 They surround her like men guarding a field, because she has rebelled against me,' " declares the Lord.
17 As keepers of a field, are they against her round about; because she hath been rebellious against me, saith the Lord.
17 Like keepers of a field are they against her all around, because she has rebelled against me, declares the Lord.
17 They're all over her, like a dog on a bone. And why? Because she rebelled against me." God's Decree.
17 Like keepers of a field they are against her all around, Because she has been rebellious against Me," says the Lord.
17 They surround Jerusalem like watchmen around a field, for my people have rebelled against me," says the Lord .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Jeremiah 4:17
Commentary on Jeremiah 4:5-18
(Read Jeremiah 4:5-18)
The fierce conqueror of the neighbouring nations was to make Judah desolate. The prophet was afflicted to see the people lulled into security by false prophets. The approach of the enemy is described. Some attention was paid in Jerusalem to outward reformation; but it was necessary that their hearts should be washed, in the exercise of true repentance and faith, from the love and pollution of sin. When lesser calamities do not rouse sinners and reform nations, sentence will be given against them. The Lord's voice declares that misery is approaching, especially against wicked professors of the gospel; when it overtakes them, it will be plainly seen that the fruit of wickedness is bitter, and the end is fatal.