Jeremiah 5:15

From far. Possibly a direct allusion to the prediction of Deut. 28:49. In comparison with such countries as Moab, Philistia, and Edom, Babylonia was a far country and is so designated in Isa. 39:3 (see Jer. 1:15; 4:16).

House of Israel. Here a designation for the two remaining tribes, the sole free representatives of the whole nation of Israel (see Jer. 6:9; 9:26; Eze. 13:16; 18:31).

Mighty. Heb. ’ethan, literally, “ever flowing” (see Amos 5:24), and hence metaphorically, “durable,” “lasting” (see Micah 6:2 where ’ethan is translated “strong”). There would be no escape from this unconquerable people whose numbers seemed never to dwindle or fail, and whose resources appeared inexhaustible.

An ancient nation. Babylon’s great antiquity seems only to have added to its pride, arrogance, cruelty, and skill in the art of destruction.

Language. The language referred to here is probably the Aramaic, which was fast becoming an international medium of diplomacy and commerce (see Vol. I, pp. 29, 30). Aramaic is closely related to the Hebrew, but was not at this time understood by the Jewish populace (see on 2 Kings 18:26). Some think the Babylonian language is referred to.