Jeremiah 6:6

Of hosts. Or, “of armies” (see Vol. I, p. 173; see on Joshua 5:14; Ps. 24:10).

Hew ye down trees. The prophet gives a graphic description of an ancient siege. The area around the city was cleared. Trees were cut and the timber was used in the construction of mounds, embankments, towers, and military engines. The Mosaic law forbade the cutting of fruit-bearing trees for siege purposes (see on Deut. 20:19, 20). Plutarch records a similar law among the Egyptians, but it is doubtful whether other Near Eastern nations were that scrupulous.

Cast a mount. Basketfuls of earth were carried and heaped up to make a mound that was piled up until it was level with the walls. From such elevations direct assaults could be made (see 2 Sam. 20:15; 2 Kings 19:32; Isa. 29:3; Eze. 4:2).

Visited. Used here with the meaning, “punished” (see Jer. 5:9; see on Ps. 8:4; 59:5).

Wholly oppression. See 2 Kings 24:3, 4; Isa. 1:21; Eze. 7:23.