For lo: now the prophet declares particularly what it is that the Lord will work.
I raise up; awaken to action, animate them in it, and strengthen them to accomplish their design.
The Chaldeans, who had subdued other nations, and had already ruined the Assyrian monarchy.
Bitter; cruel, and without mercy, Jer_6:23 21:7.
Hasty; speedy and quick in executing their merciless purposes, as Isa_5:26,27.
Which shall march, Heb.
walk without fear, and in order, as a conqueror doth in his conquests.
Through the breadth of the land; through all parts of the land, no corner shall escape his search or cruelty.
To possess; not to spoil and be gone, but to take and keep possession, as lord and proprietor in the right of conquest.
The dwelling-places; houses, towns, cities, Jerusalem itself, which they had no right to, till Jewish sins gave occasion for the dispossessing of the Jews, and the introducing of the Chaldeans.