ירמיהו, פרק ו׳, פסוק כ״ה

A severe warning urges the people to remain in their protected spaces and avoid the open areas, as deadly danger is actively waiting outside. This urgent call is directed at everyone simultaneously. It speaks to the entire nation of Israel as one united body, while also serving as a deeply personal warning to every single individual [רד״ק, מנחת שי]. The instruction is clear: people must avoid wandering into the open fields or traveling along the roads. In those exposed spaces, an enemy sword is drawn and ready to strike anyone who dares to step away from their shelter [רד״ק, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

The looming threat that seals this warning is understood in two complementary ways. The primary approach among commentators views it as an overwhelming terror. This is not merely a passing emotional response, but a paralyzing fear that forces a person to withdraw inward and hide from the danger [מלבי״ם]. Another perspective explains this threat as a physical gathering of hostile forces. From this viewpoint, enemies are actively assembling and surrounding the people from every possible direction with deadly intent [רש״י, רד״ק, מלבי״ם]. Ultimately, these two understandings blend into one chilling picture: the physical reality of enemies closing in from all sides creates an inescapable, paralyzing terror that completely eliminates any possibility of stepping outside.