It is assumed that in verse 6 the people (that is, the Philistines) are speaking, and in verse 7 the prophet (Jeremiah) replies on behalf of the LORD. This accounts for translations, such as Good News Translation, which have “You cry out” to begin verse 6.

For Ah see 1.6.

Sword of the LORD: The sword is addressed as a person by Jeremiah, and this form is followed by most translations. Revised English Bible is a helpful variation: “sword in the hand of the LORD.”

How long till you are quiet?: This has reference to the sword slashing about, and so Good News Translation renders “How long will you go on slashing?” while Die Bibel im heutigen Deutsch translates “will you give no rest?” The literal form is usually understandable, and most translations have something such as “How long until you rest?”

Scabbard: If not known, this term can be translated “knife [or, sword] covering.”

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 .