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 C'est pourquoi voici, les jours viennent, dit l'Eternel, Où je ferai retentir le cri de guerre contre Rabbath des enfants d'Ammon; Elle deviendra un monceau de ruines, Et les villes de son ressort seront consumées par le feu; Alors Israël chassera ceux qui l'avaient chassé, dit l'Eternel.