Jeremiah 49:23

Concerning Damascus. Hamath is confounded, and Arpad: for they have heard evil tidings: they are fainthearted; there is sorrow on the sea; it cannot be quiet.

Concerning Damascus - prophecy as to Damascus, etc. (Isaiah 17:1; Isaiah 10:9.) The kingdom of Damascus was already destroyed by Assyria, as Isaiah had long ago prophesied; but the city revived, and it is as to the latter Jeremiah now prophesies. The fulfillment was probably about five years after the destruction of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar (Josephus, 10: 9, 7).

Hamath is confounded - at the tidings of the overthrow of the neighbouring Damascus Hamath is confounded - at the tidings of the overthrow of the neighbouring Damascus.

There is sorrow on the sea - i:e., at the sea; the dwellers at it are alarmed. Other manuscripts read, 'like the sea' [ kayaam (H3220), instead of bayaam (H3220)]. 'There is anxiety (restless) as is the sea.'

It cannot be quiet - they cannot quiet it - i:e., it cannot be quieted (Isaiah 57:20).

It - whatever dwellers are there, "cannot be quiet."