Albert Barnes Commentary Jeremiah 38:22

Albert Barnes Commentary

Jeremiah 38:22

1798–1870
Presbyterian
Albert Barnes
Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes Commentary

Jeremiah 38:22

1798–1870
Presbyterian
SCRIPTURE

"behold, all the women that are left in the king of Judah`s house shall be brought forth to the king of Babylon`s princes, and those women shall say, Thy familiar friends have set thee on, and have prevailed over thee: [now that] thy feet are sunk in the mire, they are turned away back." — Jeremiah 38:22 (ASV)

All the women that are left - Belonging to the harems of former kings (Compare to 1 Kings 2:22), attendants, and slaves.

Your friends ... - This satirical song should be translated as a distich:

Your friends have urged you on and prevailed upon you:
Your feet are stuck in the mire; they have turned back.

Your friends - literally “men of your peace,” your acquaintance (Jeremiah 20:10). They urge Zedekiah on to a hopeless struggle with the Chaldaeans, and when he gets into difficulties leave him in the lurch.