Albert Barnes Commentary Jeremiah 46:22

"The sound thereof shall go like the serpent; for they shall march with an army, and come against her with axes, as hewers of wood." — Jeremiah 46:22 (ASV)

The voice of it - Her voice, that is, the voice of Egypt. The word here probably means the busy sound of life and activity in the towns of Egypt, the tramping of her armies, and the turmoil of camp and city. All this, at the approach of the Chaldean army, will depart, as the snake flees when disturbed in its haunts by woodcutters.

March with an army - Advance with might.

With axes - The comparison of the Chaldean warriors to woodcutters arose from their being armed with axes. As the Israelites did not use the battle-axe, their imagination would be more forcibly struck by this weapon.