THEOSISJerome of Stridon
Lo, I will bring upon you, O house of Israel, a distant people, says the LORD, a mighty nation, an ancient nation, whose language you will not comprehend, nor will you understand their speech. Their quiver is like an unsealed tomb; they are valiant warriors. They will consume your harvest and your bread; they will take your sons and daughters; they will devour your flocks and herds; they will ravage your vineyards and fig trees, and will demolish your fortified cities, in which you place your trust, with the sword. Yet in those days, declares the LORD, I will not bring you to complete destruction.
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In due time, the prior prophets will proclaim to you, in vain, to the winds; but behold, I will send against you the nation of Babylon, coming from afar, a formidable nation, a historic nation, governed once by the mighty Nimrod. You will not understand their speech; for it brings comfort in trials if your adversaries can be swayed and comprehend your pleas. Moreover, his quiver resembles an open tomb, which is not mentioned by the Seventy.
It is evident that the Assyrians, Babylonians, Medes, and Persians were exceedingly adept at archery. Simultaneously, the devastation of Judah is portrayed—the massacre of many, the plundering of livestock, the ruins of cities and fortifications, all captured by the enemy's sword. However, amid such profound calamities, God will not lead them to total annihilation, but will preserve a remnant. This remnant will include those taken to Babylon who will be released to tend the land of Judah, as well as those who, after enduring persecution, whether through flight or public confession, have maintained their faith in the Lord.