The oracle continues with language typical of Jeremiah as he describes the cries and wailing of those living in cities that are being invaded. In this case the cities are Heshbon and Ai. The location of Ai is unknown. Heshbon was normally under Moab’s control, but it did change hands from time to time and may have been under control of Ammon when the Babylonian invasion happened.1 The people from these cities are said to be wailing and crying and trying to flee the city to find refuge in the countryside as they run to and fro among the hedges.
2 Therefore, behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will cause the battle cry to be heard against Rabbah of the Ammonites; it shall become a desolate mound, and its villages shall be burned with fire; then Israel shall dispossess those who dispossessed him, says the LORD.