Charles Ellicott Commentary Jeremiah 21:2

"Inquire, I pray thee, of Jehovah for us; for Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon maketh war against us: peradventure Jehovah will deal with us according to all his wondrous works, that he may go up from us." — Jeremiah 21:2 (ASV)

Nebuchadrezzar. — This form of the name, as might be expected in the writings of one who was personally brought into contact with the king and his officers, is more correct than that of Nebuchadnezzar, which we find elsewhere, and even in Jeremiah’s own writings (Jeremiah 34:1; Jeremiah 39:5).

The name has been variously interpreted by scholars as “Nebo protects against misfortune,” “Nebo protects the landmarks,” “Nebo protects the crown,” or “Fire, the shining God.”

If so be that the Lord will deal with us ... — The messengers come to inquire of the prophet, and yet suggest the answer he is expected to give. Jehovah is to show His wondrous works in the deliverance of the city.

The history of Sennacherib’s army (2 Kings 19:0; Isaiah 37:0) was probably present to their minds. It was apparently an attempt by the king and his counselors, under the appearance of devout reverence, to entice Jeremiah to change his tone and side with the policy of resistance to the Chaldeans. In Jeremiah 37:3, we find another similar mission, apparently coming at a somewhat later date in the reign of Zedekiah.

That he may go up from us. — i.e., in modern phraseology, that he may “raise the siege.”