They shall 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 men for war against thee, O daughter of Zion.
They will grab their bows and spears; they are cruel and show no mercy at all. Their voices roar like the ocean, and they ride on horses, lined up like soldiers ready for battle against you, Jerusalem.
God is warning Jerusalem that a fierce, merciless army is coming to attack the city with overwhelming force.
📚 Historical Context
Jeremiah was a prophet in ancient Judah during the 7th-6th century BC, warning the people about the impending invasion by the Babylonian Empire as a consequence of their idolatry and unfaithfulness to God. This verse vividly describes the ruthless enemy forces, likely the Babylonians, who were known for their advanced military tactics and merciless warfare, as they threatened Jerusalem, referred to as the "daughter of Zion." It fits into the broader narrative of Jeremiah's prophecies, which called for national repentance to avert divine judgment.
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