John Calvin 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 Prophet's objective was not so much to study elegance as to confirm what he had taught. The figures, then, which he now uses, were not intended as ornaments of speech, but rather for the purpose of giving force and power to what he had said. For, as has been said, prophecies lacked credibility with foolish people unless stimulants were added to them.

He now says that the voice of Egypt would go forth like that of a serpent: some read, “as though it were a serpent;” but I prefer to render it in the genitive case, as it is more suitable; for the Prophet means that Egypt's complaints would not be loud and defiant; just as serpents send forth their hisses while creeping, so he intimates that the Egyptians, having been overthrown, would be so broken down that they would not dare to utter open complaints like those who cry out freely; instead, those who remained alive would be so struck with fear that they would only mutter, as has been said of serpents, who hiss as they creep.

We now understand the Prophet's real meaning: he says that the Egyptians would be so cast down that they would not dare to complain openly of their miseries, for they would only mutter, just like serpents who hiss indistinctly on the ground: Its voice, then, shall advance, or go forth, like that of a serpent. And thus he points out their uneasiness, for they would seek hiding places, flee here and there, and never dare to remain in the same spot.

It is, indeed, a proof of the most miserable trepidation when someone who succumbs to his evils finds no place to set his foot, but is forced, like serpents, to wander here and there. Jerome’s rendering is, “as that of brass,” as though it were written, נחשת, nuchashet; but I have already shown what the Prophet meant.

He adds, “For they shall come with an army,” or with power. The word חיל, chil, means both. He now speaks of the Chaldeans. He said that the Egyptians would tremble and be so broken down that they would not dare to utter their groans openly.

Now follows the reason: because the Chaldeans would come with power, or with an army; they would come not only as soldiers to fight, but also as hewers of wood with their axes. He intimates that the outcome of the war would by no means be doubtful, but that the Chaldeans would come into Egypt as hired men come to cut down trees.

Soldiers are, indeed, armed with swords and lances, for they have to deal with enemies, nor can they overcome them without danger; at least, they cannot conquer without a struggle. But the Prophet says that the Chaldeans would be so filled with confidence that they would not regard the Egyptians as enemies, for they would come, as it were, to cut down trees that offer no resistance: They shall come, then, as hewers of wood. There is an implied contrast here between swords, lances, and axes, just as there is between soldiers and hewers of wood.