Charles Ellicott Commentary Jeremiah 4:17

"As keepers of a field are they against her round about, because she hath been rebellious against me, saith Jehovah." — Jeremiah 4:17 (ASV)

Field. —With the meaning, as in all early English, of “open,” not “enclosed,” country (Leviticus 14:7; Leviticus 17:5). The image is that of a nomadic tribe encamped in the open country, or of men watching their flocks (Luke 2:8) or crops (Job 27:18). So shall be the tents of the invaders round Jerusalem—keeping, or (as in 2 Samuel 11:16) “observing,” i.e., “blockading” the city.