Once again, the focus shifts to the invading enemy, which has now been identified as the Medes (see Jeremiah 51:11). “Ararate, Minni and Ashkenaz were all nations that were subject to the Medes and Persians at the time.1 These invading nations must prepare for battle against Babylon. The Hebrew word qiddes,
translated as prepare
carries the idea of being set aside or consecrated for the Lord’s purposes.2 It is clear who the true commander of these forces is. The mounted army of the invading force is compared to bristling locusts.
This probably refers to a highly destructive stage of a locust’s life when the wings are encased in a rough horny covering.3 The invading force is primed for its attack. The Lord intends to carry out his plans against Babylon and nothing will stop him. Indeed the land (of Babylon) trembles and writes in pain
at the inevitable destruction that is coming to it.
27 Elevez une bannière dans le pays! Sonnez de la trompette parmi les nations! Préparez les nations contre elle, Appelez contre elle les royaumes d'Ararat, de Minni et d'Aschkenaz! Etablissez contre elle des chefs! Faites avancer des chevaux comme des sauterelles hérissées!