THEOSISJerome of Stridon
For You shall bring an unexpected adversary upon them, as they have concealed traps to ensnare me and have laid nets for my steps in secrecy. Yet, O Lord, You are aware of all their plots against me aimed at death. Do not pardon their iniquity, nor allow their sin to be erased from before Your presence. May they falter before You; in the time of Your wrath, bring judgment upon them. If we interpret this regarding Jeremiah, then the unforeseen adversary refers to Nebuchadnezzar; however, if we consider it in relation to the Savior—which is more fitting—it points to the Roman forces. To prevent any notion that God's judgment is unjust, He illustrates their actions against the Son of God and the suffering they encountered.
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The mention of "You shall not forgive their iniquity" and "their sin shall not be erased" does not conflict with the previous plea where He intercedes for the people. Once the period for repentance has elapsed and they continue in their wrongdoing, the people and the leaders endure punishment not merely for their sake but for the sake of others, ensuring that unpunished sin does not lead to further harm. The phrase "let them stumble or fall before You" echoes the sentiments found in Isaiah and Peter: "And you shall not stumble as if against a stone of offense and a rock of temptation" (Isaiah 8:14) (1 Pet. 2:8), similar to what the Psalmist states: "This stone that the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone; this is from the Lord" (Ps. 117:22).