Jeremiah 1:15 - Exposition

I will call ; literally, I am calling ; i . e . I am about to call. The kingdoms of the north ; alluding possibly to the varied origin of the population of Assyria and Babylonia. But more probably it is simply a suggestive phrase, for the wide extent of the hostile empire referred to (comp. Jeremiah 25:9 ). They shall set every one his throne , etc. The kings, or. the, generals, representing "all the families, etc; shall set up the high seat of power and judicial authority at the broad space within the gate of the city, which constituted the Oriental forum (comp. Genesis 23:10 ; Joshua 20:4 ; Job 29:7 ; Job 31:21 ). Thither the besieged would have to come to surrender themselves ( 2 Kings 24:12 ) and to hear their fate. A similar prediction is made with regard to Nebuchadnezzar ( Jeremiah 43:9 , Jeremiah 43:10 ). It is true the seat of authority is there said to be placed at the entrance of the palace, but this was in fact another place where justice was wont to be administered ( Jeremiah 22:2 , Jeremiah 22:3 ). Jerome's view, adopted by Rosenmüller and Nagelsbach, that "to set one's seat" means "to besiege" is against usage, and does not accord with the opening words of Jeremiah 1:16 . There is, however, an element of truth in it. The judgment executed ministerially by the northern kings or generals began with the siege of Jerusalem and the other cities, and hence the words with which the prophet continues. And against all the walls , etc. We should have expected something like "and shall set themselves in array against," etc. (comp. Isaiah 22:7 b); see, however, last note.