The Lord continues his description of the enemy that is coming. The enemy has a mighty and well-armed cavalry with bow and javelin. They also have fighting men on horses. The sound of the army is like the roaring sea.
Sound is once again used to describe the impact of this invading force; it is powerful, deafening, and awe inspiring.1 These words seem to draw on the mythological beliefs of the ancient Near East where the sea represents supernatural forces of chaos. The mere sound of the sea can generate anxiety and fear.2 This invader is not just powerful, but is also cruel
and they have no mercy.
There can be no doubt about the overwhelming nature of the judgment that the Lord is sending.
23 They lay hold on bow and javelin; they are cruel and have no mercy; the sound of them is like the roaring sea; they ride on horses, set in array as a man for battle, against you, O daughter of Zion!”