THEOSISJerome of Stridon
Behold, I will bring upon you, O house of Israel, a nation from afar, declares the LORD, a mighty nation, an ancient one, whose language you will not comprehend, nor will you understand their speech. Their arrows are like an open grave; they are all valiant. They will consume your harvests and your bread, they will devour your sons and daughters, they will ravage your flocks and herds, they will destroy your vineyards and fig trees, and they will lay waste to your fortified cities in which you place your trust, with the sword. However, in those days, says the Lord, I will not bring complete destruction upon you.
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Shortly thereafter, the prophets will address you, as you mistakenly believe, to the wind, but behold, I will bring upon you the nation of Babylon, which shall come from afar, a strong nation, an ancient nation, a nation once ruled by the mighty Nimrod. You will not understand their language or, as the Hebrew text conveys, comprehend what they say; for it provides comfort in adversity to know that your foes can be approached and that they understand your pleas. Additionally, his arrows are akin to an open grave, an imagery not found in the Septuagint.
It is evident that the Assyrians, Babylonians, Medes, and Persians were particularly adept in archery. Within this context, there is a depiction of the devastation in the land of Judah, the slaughter of many, the plundering of livestock, and the destruction of cities and walls; the sword of the enemy will seize everything. Nevertheless, amid such great distress, God will not bring utter ruin upon them but will preserve a remnant, whether those taken to Babylon who will be allowed to return and cultivate the land of Judah, or those who, having endured the fires of persecution, whether through flight or by standing firm, have maintained their faith in the Lord.