(17) I will utterly pluck up.--In this, as in the preceding verse, there is an obvious reference to the prophet's calling as described in Jeremiah 1:10, the self-same word being used as that which is there rendered "root out." The adverb "utterly" answers to the usual Hebrew reduplication of emphasis.

12:14-17 The Lord would plead the cause of his people against their evil neighbours. Yet he would afterwards show mercy to those nations, when they should learn true religion. This seems to look forward to the times when the fulness of the Gentiles shall come in. Those who would have their lot with God's people, and a last end like theirs, must learn their ways, and walk in them.But if they will not obey,.... Or "hear" (k); the word of the Lord, and hearken to the ministers of the Gospel, and be subject to the ordinances of it; or as the Targum,

"will not receive instruction:''

I will utterly pluck up and destroy that nation, saith the Lord: root it up from being a nation, strip it of all its privileges and enjoyments, and destroy it with an everlasting destruction; see Zechariah 14:16.

(k) "audierint", V. L. Pagninus, Montanus; "audient", Cocceius.