Thomas Aquinas Commentary Jeremiah 4:15-18

"For a voice declareth from Dan, and publisheth evil from the hills of Ephraim: make ye mention to the nations; behold, publish against Jerusalem, [that] watchers come from a far country, and give out their voice against the cities of Judah. As keepers of a field are they against her round about, because she hath been rebellious against me, saith Jehovah. Thy way and thy doings have procured these things unto thee; this is thy wickedness; for it is bitter, for it reacheth unto thy heart." — Jeremiah 4:15-18 (ASV)

Here, he predicts the siege:

1. The messenger of the siege. From Dan, whose land the Chaldeans would encounter first on their way to Jerusalem; from mount Ephraim, which they would encounter next; and the idol, that is, the enemy whose ravages they suffered because of idolatry. This signifies the order of the messengers coming one after another.

   The announcement is specified: Stir up the people, that is, the citizens in the middle of Jerusalem, preparing yourselves to resist; or stir up the people all around, so that, terrified by your punishment, they may be corrected. Behold, it has been heard, frequently, through many messengers, and first through the prophets. Watchers refers to the enemy coming to lay siege; their voice is the cry of the army. As we saw above: the lions have roared over him, and sent forth their voice (Jeremiah 2:15).

2. The manner of the siege: as the keepers, laying siege all around without any resistance. Your enemies shall surround you with a rampart; they shall surround you and restrain you from every side (Luke 19:43).

3. The just reason for the siege: your ways, that is, your actions, and touched your bone, meaning they have reached all the way to the inner bones. Because of your great wickedness, and your endless iniquities (Job 22:5).