Albert Barnes Commentary Jeremiah 8:17

"For, behold, I will send serpents, adders, among you, which will not be charmed; and they shall bite you, saith Jehovah." — Jeremiah 8:17 (ASV)

I will send - Or, am sending. No prophet changes his metaphors so suddenly as Jeremiah. The invading army is now compared to snakes, whom no charming can soothe, and whose bite is fatal. Compare (Numbers 21:5–6).

Cockatrices - “Vipers.” See (Isaiah 11:8) note.