This section (Jeremiah 6:22–26) and the next one (Jeremiah 6:27–30) help draw to a close the extended section declaring the Lord’s judgment on Judah (Jeremiah 4:5–6:30). We return again to the unidentified nation that will invade from the north (Jeremiah 1:13–15; Jeremiah 4:6; Jeremiah 6:1), bringing the Lord’s judgment. Here the Lord describes this invader as a great nation that is stirring from the farthest parts of the earth.
This phrase describes a nation that comes from a very remote region, and it serves to create the impression of the ominous nature of the threat.1 Even though the enemy is not identified, it becomes clear later that it is indeed Babylon.
22 Thus says the LORD: “Behold, a people is coming from the north country, a great nation is stirring from the farthest parts of the earth.