Albert Barnes Commentary Jeremiah 46:5

"Wherefore have I seen it? they are dismayed and are turned backward; and their mighty ones are beaten down, and are fled apace, and look not back: terror is on every side, saith Jehovah." — Jeremiah 46:5 (ASV)

Literally, “Why have I seen? They are terror-stricken! they are giving way back!” The Egyptian army feels that the battle is lost. Overwhelmed by the enemy, it loses heart. In despair, yet not without a struggle, it gives way. It is remarkable that while Jeremiah, in his warning addressed to Jerusalem, uses the most simple and unadorned prose, his language concerning the Gentile nations is, on the contrary, full of brilliant poetry.

Do not look back—do not turn back. They do not stop and make no attempt to rally.

Fear was round about—the prophet's watchword, Magor-missabib .