The word of the LORD which came to Jeremiah: This unusual formula is also found at 14.1; 47.1; 49.34.

The nations was a way the Israelites referred to all other nations. To say “other nations” might put too much emphasis on this, however, but many do say “the various nations” or “different nations of the world.” Compare 1.5.

Quoted with permission from Newman, Barclay M. and Stine, Philip C. A Handbook on Jeremiah. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2003. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .