Jeremiah 6:9Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Remove, remove. There is an escalation of judgment, and once more, fear is amplified. He declares that he will not show mercy to the remnant. Yet previously, he stated, “Leave the upholding of Israel, for they are the Lord's” (Jeremiah 5:10). And here again: despoil, despoil, despoil. Frequently disruptive for her own good, awakening them from apathy, and dispelling hopelessness. Return, as a raider to his storehouse. In other words, gather what remains from the house.

Thus declares the Lord of Hosts, They shall gather the remnant of Israel like fruit from a vineyard. Extend your hand, as one who collects grapes, to the basket. For thus says the Lord of Hosts, Gather, gather, gather, as in a vineyard, the remnant of Israel. Cast yourselves, like grape pickers, into your basket. These statements are interpreted in two ways: positively, indicating that after the devastation of Jerusalem, the remnant will be preserved; negatively, suggesting that not a single berry or twig will remain in the vineyard, but everything will be taken: pluck, he says, like a grape gatherer, whatever you find into your basket, and as he fills the winepress with the grapes, so will you lead the captives to Babylon.